Associate Principal Scientist, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, is committed to discovering and delivering innovative therapies that transform patient outcomes! We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery team. The role centers on delivering scientific expertise for both ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy discovery initiatives, underpinned by an in-depth understanding of immunological disease biology and expertise in cell therapy (e.g., CAR-T) discovery, including viral vector design, genetic engineering, and assay development.

Accountabilities

• Expert Knowledge: Cultivate and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the immunology disease landscape, or viral vector design and genetic engineering, remaining abreast of the latest advancements and trends in the field.
• Collaborative Innovation: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to propel discovery efforts focused on immunological diseases, with the aim of enhancing AstraZeneca's portfolio.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders both internally and externally to align cell therapy strategies with broader R&D objectives and goals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to the development and delivery of medicines.
• Research Assay and Research Process Development: Lead the development of in vitro assays and cell therapy research process to assess and validate novel therapeutic strategies and approaches.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Advanced Degree: PhD or equivalent in Virology, Immunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in lentiviral, retroviral, or AAV vector design and engineering, CRISPR and other genetic engineering technologies, non-viral gene delivery technology, and in vitro/in vivo assays, and cell therapy research process development.
• Genetic Technology Innovation: Experience in applying CRISPR and other genetic engineering tools to innovate and refine cellular therapies.
• Collaborative Skills: Excellent collaboration and communication capabilities, adept at working effectively across various functional teams and organizational levels.
• Regulatory Insight: Comprehensive understanding of regulatory landscapes pertaining to cell therapy and genetic engineering.
• Negotiation and Influence: Proven ability to negotiate and influence effectively with senior management and industry partners.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Industry Network: Established connections within the cell therapy, genetic engineering, and immunology sectors.
• Publication Track Record: Strong history of peer-reviewed publications in vector and cell therapy engineering.

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. Our team is empowered to act fast on smart risks, making bold moves that truly improve patient outcomes. We foster a collaborative environment where diverse knowledge from across the business and external partners is leveraged to tackle the toughest medical challenges. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are countless opportunities to work with new and novel drugs, driving innovation forward. Join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Apply today!