Senior Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Our mission is to build fully automated analytical workflows that improve operational efficiency and help high quality cell therapies reach patients faster. We’re seeking a critical thinker and hands‑-on‑ executor who anticipates scaleup challenges and turns them into practical, automation‑ ‑ready solutions.

As a Senior Scientist within Analytical Sciences, you will bridge wetlab execution, emerging lab automation, and pragmatic data practices to transform analytical workflows for engineered cell therapy. You will report to the Associate Director of Analytical Sciences and You will collaborate with the Process Sciences, Analytics, and Technology (PSAT) team and the Quality organization within Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CDTO), building internal capabilities and mentoring junior team members. You will bridge the gap between physical laboratory execution, lab automation, and data science applications. You will own key initiatives that drive operational and data automation, architecting fit-for-purpose technologies to transform analytical workflows. Partnering closely with analytical automation, operation and development scientists, you will define strategy and deliver broad analytics to support process development, product characterization, and testing methodologies for novel engineered cell therapy products. You will lead feasibility and proof of concept studies, assess new technologies, and translate proven manual methods into automation ready workflows that support process development, product characterization, and testing strategies.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lab Automation & Digitalization: Partner with automation engineers to translate manual bench protocols into structured, automation ready workflows (sample maps, deck layouts, liquid classes, error‑ ‑recovery steps). Support programming, optimization, and maintenance of automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, BioMek, Prime) to scale high throughput‑ assays and improve robustness.

• Analytical PoC and Method Prototyping: Design and execute wetlab feasibility studies to evaluate new analytical platforms (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, plate readers, genomic assays) and sample‑ prep devices. Develop and refine bench protocols with a QC‑ centric focus on precision, accuracy, and ruggedness; apply ‑DOElite approaches where appropriate and document with clear SOP‑-style‑ practices.

• Hybrid Technical Delivery: Lead the development of statistical solutions, data workflows and DES models (e.g., Anylogic, Simio, ExtendSim) that connect automated physical processes to analytical method development, robustness, and lifecycle management.

• Data Architecture & Traceability: Build scalable data pipelines integrating physical instrument and robotics data, LIMS/ELN, MES/historians, and cloud environments, ensuring data integrity (ALCOA+) and traceability from the deck to the database. 

• Experimental Design & Analysis: Plan studies that estimate throughput and variability drivers; optimize assay steps and automated processes with appropriate controls and basic statistical analyses.

• Cross-Functional‑ Partnership: Collaborate with Operation and Quality to simulate assay and instrument schedules, align technology selection, method design with process needs and future regulatory expectations. Communicate results and recommendations to technical and nontechnical stakeholders; provide clear go/‑nogo criteria for new technologies‑.

• Instrument Onboarding & Integration: Coordinate vendor demos and side-by‑-side‑ comparisons against existing tools, capturing performance, usability, serviceability, and total cost of ownership. Summarize findings in concise evaluation reports.

• Communication: Translate scientific and operational insights into roadmaps, throughput impacts, success metrics, and investment cases that support decision-making‑ without over‑reliance on advanced modeling.

• Compliance: Support computerized system validation/assurance (CSV/CSA) for analytics tools and automated liquid handlers, incorporating 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and GxP considerations. 

• Continuous Improvement & Safety: Uphold safety and aseptic best practices; identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual steps, improve reproducibility, and build training materials for technology adoption.

Required Abilities

• Laboratory Automation & Analytical Domain: Experience operating and troubleshooting automated liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan) and integrating with common analytical modalities (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, plate readers). Ability to translate manual SOPs into automation‑ready workflows in partnership with AA.

• Wet‑Lab and Analytical Operations: Proficiency in primary cell culture/PBMC handling, sterile technique, cell counting/viability, basic flow cytometry panel design and titration, and genomic assay fundamentals; strong QC mindset with attention to documentation and controls.

• DES and Digital Twins: Hands-on experience building and validating discrete event simulation models for lab environments using tools such as Anylogic, Simio, and ExtendSim. Ability to calibrate models with empirical data (cycle times, hold time, failure rates, changeover, resource constraints) and run scenarios analysis for capacity, scheduling and buffer design. 

• Statistical Breadth: Solid foundation in experimental design (screening/optimization), regression, and multivariate analysis. 

• Programming and Platforms: Proficient in Python, with strong SQL skills. Practical experience with cloud analytics (Snowflake/AWS) and data tools, prioritizing broad capability to connect lab infrastructure over deep software engineering expertise. 

• Communication and Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives spanning physical robotics and digital infrastructure, influencing without authority, and presenting complex analyses to senior stakeholders. 

• Compliance: Working knowledge of GxP environments, data integrity, and 21 CFR Part 11; experience authoring validation documentation for both software and automated lab equipment. 

• Candidate Profile Note: We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every listed requirement. If you bring a solid wet‑lab foundation and clear evidence of learning agility, initiative, and interest in automation and/or data integrity pipelines, we encourage you to apply and highlight how you plan to grow into any gaps.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant hands‑on experience or

• M.S. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience or

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with no prior industry experience required.

• Candidates from non‑pharma backgrounds with solid wet‑lab foundations and basic immunology are encouraged to apply; recent graduates (PhD) motivated to learn the regulatory landscape are welcome.

• Growth Mindset: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new tools and domains is valued as highly as prior exposure; please apply even if your experience spans only two of the three areas (wet lab, automation, coding/data).

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation meets opportunity. With constant new products and launches, you'll be part of a team that shapes the future of life-changing medicines. Our commitment to staying ahead in rapidly changing markets drives us to continuously seek new ways to deliver medicines to patients. Here, you'll find a safe space to share ideas and problem-solve alongside a diverse team of experts connected across the globe. We thrive on challenges and embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $115,057.60 - 172,586.40. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and become part of our dynamic team!

#celltherapy #LI-Onsite

Date Posted

25-Mar-2026

Closing Date

23-Apr-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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.