Senior Scientist, Immune-Aging Full-time

Senior Scientist Opportunity at AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our growing T-cell Aging Unit and lead research focused on restoring immune function in aged populations. This role will pioneer research at the intersection of aging biology and immunology, translating findings into therapeutic interventions. The position primarily focuses on in vitro modeling and target validation. The successful candidate will also provide translational support by collaborating with external CROs and/or our in vivo pharmacology team to design in vivo studies and process animal tissues ex vivo to evaluate study endpoints.

At AstraZeneca, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare while working in a collaborative environment at the cutting edge of research. The ideal candidate will thrive in this setting and contribute to our continued growth as we build our evolving team.

Key Responsibilities

• Target discovery and validation: Design and execute experiments to inform target identification and validation for age-related immune restoration.
• Aging mechanism studies: Implement experiments that distinguish immune cell-intrinsic aging from microenvironment-mediated changes.
• Strategy contribution: Contribute to the evolution of immune-aging strategy based on emerging insights and experimental findings.
• Data generation and communication: Generate high-quality data and present results to internal stakeholders and the external scientific community.
• Cross-functional teamwork: Work within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining flexibility in a dynamic research environment.
• Translational support: Collaborate with external CROs and internal in vivo pharmacology teams to support study design and evaluate in vivo endpoints through ex vivo tissue processing.

Required Qualifications

• Education and experience: PhD in Immunology, Aging Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field, with 3-5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in aging biology and immunology.
• Technical expertise: Proficiency in flow cytometry, immunological assays, and cellular and molecular biology methods; experience with in vitro and in vivo aging/immunology models.
• Scientific knowledge: Deep understanding of immune cell-intrinsic versus microenvironment-driven aging mechanisms.
• Scientific impact: Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills and capabilities: Strong analytical abilities for complex datasets; excellent written and oral communication skills; proven collaboration in team environments; highly self-motivated and adaptable to evolving priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• In vivo experience: Prior experience with basic in vivo procedures.
• Drug discovery experience: Experience in drug discovery or therapeutic development.
• Immune cell expertise: Expertise working with aging-affected immune cell populations, including T cells, NK cells, and myeloid cells.
• Therapeutic area knowledge: Knowledge of immuno-oncology therapeutic strategies.
• Biomarker understanding: Understanding of immune aging biomarkers and immune health assessment.

About the Waltham Site

Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park BioHub, just west of the city center. Our BioHub facility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant research centers.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you'll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release

Ready to join us on this mission? Apply now!

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long-term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $116,284.00 – $174,426.00. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.