Scientist, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

Scientist, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

Waltham, MA, USA

AstraZeneca is a science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming patient outcomes. We seek a curious, collaborative Scientist to advance novel cell therapies for autoimmune and other immunology indications. This role spans both in vitro and in vivo work and requires strong cross-functional collaboration.

Role overview

You will design and execute in vitro functional assays and in vivo studies in autoimmune disease models; integrate internal and external data to identify and validate targets and modalities; and generate critical data to efficiently move programs from discovery toward translation.

Key responsibilities

• In vivo studies: Plan and run autoimmune or inflammatory disease models, including study design, dosing/engraftment, and tissue collection, and data analysis in partnership with in vivo pharmacology.
• In vitro discovery: Identify and validate cell therapy targets and characterize functional activity of engineered cell therapies; connect in vitro and in vivo findings.
• Data and analytics: Apply a rigorous, data-driven approach to experimental design, and decision-making; use appropriate analytics and visualization.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with protein engineering, genomics, translational science, clinical, and CMC to align objectives, coordinate experimental activites, and deliver milestones.
• Team and communication: Document work to high standards; present results to teams and leaders; support and mentor colleagues to foster a productive lab environment.

Required qualifications and skills

• Education: MS with 3+ years; or BS with 5+ years experience in immunology, autoimmunity, cell therapy or a related field (industry experience strongly preferred).
• In vitro expertise: Primary human cell culture and functional cell-based assays; multi‑color flow cytometry; multiplex cytokine detection; assay development.
• In vivo expertise: Hands-on planning, oversight, and execution, including animal handling and dosing/engraftment, of murine in vivo studies; experience with autoimmune disease models, humanized mouse models, and/or tumor xenograft models.
• Data proficiency: Strong experimental design, analysis, and interpretation; proficiency with common analysis tools such as FlowJo and Prism.
• Working style: Demonstrated independence in a dynamic environment, excellent record-keeping, and reliable delivery to timelines.
• Communication: Clear, concise written and verbal communication.

Desired qualifications and skills

• Autoimmunity and/or inflammation experience: Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo model systems for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, COPD, fibrosis, etc.
• Industry background: Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech drug discovery and development.
• Cell therapy experience: Work with engineered cell products (e.g., T cell subsets, CAR-based modalities); familiarity with novel CAR or antibody target discovery.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $87,000 to $130,800. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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

Date Posted

09-Dec-2025

Closing Date

29-Dec-2025

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.