Associate Specialist, Cell Therapy
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of science? AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Cell Therapy Specialist to join our dynamic operations team. We are a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines. We put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.
In Operations, we turn molecules into medicine and are unified in our dedication to delivering more medicines to more patients more quickly. In essence, we are the critical link that brings innovation from our science labs to patients around the world. From our quality labs to commercial manufacturing, we share a common purpose to ensure our high-quality medicines reach patients when and where they need them, with the ultimate goal of improving their daily lives. We’re achieving all of this while continuing to accelerate our operational excellence through innovative science, Lean ways of working, and evolving digital technologies.
Using cell therapy to halt and reverse disease, restore damaged organs, and, ultimately, cure many life-threatening conditions is now a realistic goal for our scientists and operators, who are working at the groundbreaking of regenerative medicine. Across our R&D and manufacturing organizations, we are investing in internal capabilities to help us realize our ambition to discover and deliver next-generation cellular therapies. Maximizing institutional expertise in biologics engineering, gene editing, and immunology, we are uniquely positioned to develop innovative technologies to advance cell therapies in the treatment of disease areas with high unmet medical needs.
Our role in Operations is to bring these promising therapies from the lab to life through a thorough process of development, manufacturing, testing, and supply. Our fast-paced, growing environment provides a wealth of opportunity and global opportunities to learn from other teams, adopt lifelong learning, and build capabilities, setting your direction and pace for your long-term career.
Our Rockville Manufacturing Center (RMC) cell therapy facility located in Rockville, Maryland is the newest addition to our global supply network of nearly 30 manufacturing and supply facilities in 16 countries. This manufacturing facility aims to make a direct contribution and immediate impact to patients by delivering life-saving cell therapies. It’s challenging but highly rewarding work, involving hundreds of dedicated people throughout the manufacturing lifecycle along with supporting office functions. Every day at AstraZeneca we work hard to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, along with taking time to have fun and celebrate our accomplishments. From catered site festivities to events, community outreach activities, environmental and wellness showcases, and team-building events, we take time to recognize our achievements.
What you will do:
Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions and/or SOPs, with a focus on 'right the first time'.
Monitor, clean, prepare, and operate sophisticated automated cell processing, cell expansion, and filling equipment in Grades A, B, and C cleanroom environments.
Participate in tech transfer activities and ensure a safe work environment following AstraZeneca standards.
Be prepared for weekend and night work as required.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 0-2+ years of general cGMP manufacturing experience or Master’s degree and 0-1+ years of general cGMP manufacturing experience.
Basic knowledge of biologics manufacturing process, cell culture and/or vector products.
Familiarity with aseptic techniques and manufacturing equipment in open and closed systems.
Knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and/or process analytical technologies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and data analysis.
Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to work shifts in 2025.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous manufacturing or process development experience with cell therapy or vector products including aseptic technique.
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Dynamic individual with the ability to communicate and engage others.
Independent and self-starting. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change ways of working/identify opportunities to improve processes within the cGMP clinical manufacturing environment.
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca, we are leading our Operations function at an exciting time of growth and evolution. We pioneer new approaches and processes across our sites, empowering our teams to foster a Lean mindset and sustainable practices. Every change we make is to deliver better outcomes for our patients. We are the champions of Lean, ensuring our teams understand and embody the benefits it can bring. Our manufacturing sites are environments of constant and rapid change. It's a place to expect the unexpected. There's rarely an obvious answer to the varied challenges we face, so it takes adaptability, flexibility, and patience to thrive here.
Ready to make your mark? Apply today and be part of a team that’s redefining the science of medicine!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.