Sr Scientist – Early Process Development & Manufacturing Full-time

Sr Scientist – Early Process Development & Manufacturing (lentiviral vectors) Permanent

Location: Belgium, Mont-Saint-Guibert

Salary: Competitive

Introduction to role

Are you ready to dive into the world of transformative therapies and make a significant impact? At EsoBiotec, now part of AstraZeneca, we are setting new benchmarks for biotechnological research. Our collaboration combines AstraZeneca's global influence and scientific innovation with EsoBiotec's unique culture of creativity and breakthroughs in cell-based therapies and immunology. Here, your scientific passion will drive real-world impact as you contribute to life-changing treatments. We are looking for an inspiring discovery scientist to drive innovation and development of our pioneering lentiviral vector therapeutic platform. Join us in shaping the future of cell and gene therapy with your expertise in viral vector engineering, gene editing, CAR and TCR T cell engineering or myeloid immunobiology in cancer.

Accountabilities

• Develop, optimize scaled down upstream and downstream manufacturing processes for in vivo lentiviral vectors.
• Execute hypothesis-driven process development experiments that translate discovery insights into robust, product-relevant unit operations.
• Design and run bioreactor studies (adherent and suspension) including parameter definition, control strategies, and process modeling to achieve target yield and quality.
• Support cell line and producer cell development, selection, and characterization to enable consistent LVV production and process robustness.
• Implement design-of-experiments and statistical analysis to define critical process parameters and set control limits aligned to quality target product profiles.
• Prepare technical documentation including development reports and process descriptions that enable internal reviews and external transfers.
• Contribute to technology transfer packages and participate in transfers to internal manufacturing groups or external CDMOs, resolving technical gaps and ensuring knowledge continuity.
• Interface with GMP manufacturing teams to align development processes with facility capabilities, compliance requirements, and operational readiness.
• Collaborate closely with discovery, vector engineering, and CMC stakeholders to ensure manufacturability considerations are integrated early.
• Evaluate new tools, media, raw materials, and equipment for process improvement and cost-of-goods reduction.
• Present results, risk assessments, and recommendations to project teams and leadership, and contribute to decision-making forums.
• Train and mentor junior staff on process methods, equipment operation, and documentation practices, and foster a product-oriented, discovery-driven culture.
• Report progress, risks, and resource needs to the Director or Associate Director, maintaining clear timelines and milestone accountability.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Prepare scientific summaries, internal reports, and presentations for internal governance and external stakeholders when required.

Essential Skills/Experience

• MS or PhD in bioengineering, biotechnology, cell/molecular biology, or related field with relevant industry experience in process development for viral vectors.
• 2+ years of industry experience for Scientist and 4+ years for Senior Scientist in process development, with demonstrated contributions to LVV or other viral vector manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with upstream LVV production using adherent and/or suspension systems, including cell expansion, infection/transfection, and bioreactor operations.
• Practical expertise in downstream processing for LVV (preferred), or other vectors, such as clarification, chromatography, TFF, and formulation to achieve target purity, potency, and stability.
• Proficiency with bioreactors (such Scale X, iCellis, DASbox® or SciVario® Bioreactor System) and associated control systems, scale-down models, and scale-up principles to translate lab processes to pilot or GMP scales.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with discovery, engineering, analytics, and manufacturing teams, and clear communication to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and experimental rigor with a mindset that connects process choices to product requirements and clinical context.
• Strong scientific/technical writing skills (e.g. development reports and tech transfer documents) and communication skills (e.g. data presentation and recommendations to working groups or leadership) in English is required.
• Organized, proactive, and product-focused with commitment to safety, data integrity, and continuous improvement while operating under timeline and resource constraints.
• Strong inter-personal and communication skills. Proven record of collaborations and effective work with internal and external partners

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Competence in analytical techniques relevant to LVV including qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, infectivity assays, and impurity profiling in partnership with analytics teams.
• Experience applying DoE, statistical analysis, and process modeling to define CPPs and CQAs and to establish robust control strategies.
• Exposure to technology transfer and GMP manufacturing environments with understanding of documentation, change control, and compliance expectations.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where courage, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. With a bold vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, we are dedicated to transforming patient lives through innovative science. Our team is empowered to lead at every level, making smart decisions that drive our pipeline forward. Join us in pioneering collaborative research that unites academia and industry, expediting breakthroughs in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers.

So, what is next:

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our mission-driven team!