Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Bioscience

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Bioscience  Laboratory-based discovery with data-driven and AI/ML-enabled analysis   About AstraZeneca  At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our ambition to transform science into life-changing medicines for patients. We bring together deep biological insight, innovative technologies and data-driven approaches to tackle complex scientific challenges and accelerate the discovery and development of new therapies. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, scientific rigor and bold thinking help us push the boundaries of what is possible.  Within Cell Therapy, we are advancing the next generation of engineered cell therapies by integrating cellular and molecular biology, immunology, bioengineering, computational approaches and data science. Our scientists work at the interface of experimental science and emerging technologies, bringing curiosity, collaboration and a data-driven mindset to the discovery of innovative cell therapies.  About the Gaithersburg Site  Our Gaithersburg, Maryland campus is a major U.S. hub for R&D and Oncology, bringing together multidisciplinary scientists, modern laboratories and cross-functional teams to advance innovative medicines from discovery through development. The collaborative environment enables scientists with diverse expertise to work together, leverage cutting-edge technologies and translate scientific discoveries into meaningful advances for patients.  Position Summary  This is a predominantly laboratory-based discovery position requiring strong hands-on expertise in immunology, cellular engineering and the functional characterization of engineered immune cells. The ideal candidate will complement this laboratory expertise with quantitative and computational skills. They will apply these capabilities to guide experimental design, interpret complex datasets and advance next-generation cell therapies.  The role requires a strong quantitative and data-driven mindset. The scientist will analyze complex experimental datasets, use appropriate statistical and visualization approaches, and partner effectively with computational and data science colleagues. Familiarity with computational biology, AI and machine-learning concepts is important for asking the right questions, interpreting outputs and identifying opportunities to improve experimental design and scientific decision-making.   Working within multidisciplinary project teams, the scientist will contribute to scientific strategy, project planning and decision-making while remaining directly engaged in laboratory research.  Key Responsibilities  • Conducts hands-on drug discovery research experiments independently  • Design and execute functional studies to assess immune-cell activation, cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine production, phenotype, fitness and other relevant functional properties.  • Perform primary human immune-cell culture, genetic manipulation, transfection and/or viral transduction, and optimize experimental methods as needed.  • Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry studies, including panel planning, acquisition, analysis and biological interpretation.  • Integrate findings across functional assays, flow cytometry and, where relevant, omics or in vivo datasets to generate clear conclusions and define next experiments.  • Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments  • Works collaboratively in a matrix environment  • Shares relevant external published papers with peers   • Prepares and delivers presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions  • Ensures own work, and work of