Senior Scientist II/I, Cell Therapy Discovery Full-time

AstraZeneca Cell Therapy Discovery Role

As part of AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy Discovery, the R&D department is primarily responsible for the early-stage development of cell therapy products.

The role holder will participate in early-stage project research and the design of technical strategies, independently lead validation and exploration activities, and demonstrate effective cross-departmental collaboration skills.

Specifically, the role holder will:

• Participate in early-stage research and technical strategy design for R&D projects.
• Be accountable for carrying out experimental work related to the projects, collaborating with the team to successfully deliver early-stage R&D projects.
• Be accountable for cross-departmental collaboration during the R&D process, ensuring efficient cooperation and timely project delivery.

The role holder is accountable for ensuring that all activities are carried out in alignment with AstraZeneca's Code of Conduct, supporting policies, standards, and procedures, including the compliant management of budget, safety, health, and environmental considerations.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead literature research related to the project.
• Lead project activities, including but not limited to the exploration of new technologies, design of innovative experimental protocols, daily experimental work, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of data delivery.
• Manage project data compilation, report writing, and relevant presentations.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and global partners across departments to coordinate projects, explore new solutions, and advance collaborative initiatives.
• Build and maintain expertise in current and emerging technologies within the relevant field.
• Demonstrate awareness of project cost and budget control.
• Provide timely updates on project progress, report issues and challenges encountered, offer insights into new problems, and propose effective solutions.
• Undertake small supervisory roles, and participate in skills transfer and training.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all AstraZeneca policies and standards as well as local laws and regulations, and promptly address any instances of non-compliance.

Requirements

Essential:

• PhD in pathogenic biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, immunology, or a related field, with particular expertise in viral vector engineering; alternatively, a master's degree in a relevant discipline with at least five years of related work experience.
• Has early-stage research and development experience in cell therapy, in either ex vivo or in vivo settings.
• Excellent knowledge of the scientific literature, with a deep understanding of virology and viral vector engineering.
• Expertise in at least one viral vector engineering modality.
• Fluent in English, with the ability to report and present daily work in English.
• Strong communication skills and experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to identify risks and escalate appropriately.

Skills & Capabilities

• Proficient in molecular biology and viral vector engineering.
• Ability to work independently in designing, executing, and interpreting tasks.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within teams and across departments.
• Capability of fluent English communication and writing.
• Strong sense of responsibility in work.
• A confident team player who is assertive, yet open to listening and learning from the perspectives of others.
• Ability to influence within own discipline and apply constructive challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure and within tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Early-stage research and development experience in the field of cell therapy, especially with vivo products.
• Early-stage research and development experience in the field of cell therapy, especially with relevant R&D experience with lentiviral vectors; highly proficient in lentiviral vector modification, packaging, purification, and delivery.
• Knowledge of industry compliance requirements, such as HGR, CBDT, data privacy, etc.