Associate Principal Scientist, Vector Design

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated experienced and strategicAssociate Principal Scientist Vector Design to join our Viral Vector New Modality g roup within AstraZenecas Process Science and Technology (PSAT) Cell Therapy Development and Operation (CTDO) organization. The successful candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise in process development and project management skills . He / she is responsible for leading viral vector process development projects to ensur e they meet quality regulatory and business goals on time. He / she will coordinate cross-functional teams manages project timelines and resources and communicates progress to stakeholders. This role will operate strategically in a highly collaborative environment. This role can be based in either Santa Monica CA or Gaithersburg MD.

Responsibilities :

Viral vector process design : Lead ing support ing the d esign and develop ment of scalable cost-effective GMP compliance LVV manufacturing processes to support a variety of ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy programs

Project planning and execution : Initiating planning and overseeing the entire viral vector process development project lifecycle from initial concept lab build to manufacturing tech transfer

Cross-functional team leadership : Managing and aligning diverse teams including scientists and engineers to ensure project goals are met

Technical oversight : Partnering with technical leads to define deliverables troubleshoot issues and ensure the scientific and technical aspects of process development are sound

Timeline and budget management : Developing and managing project timelines adjusting as needed and ensuring the project stays within budget

Regulatory compliance : Ensuring all project activities adhere to relevant regulations such as GMP and ICH guidelines

Stakeholder communication : Serving as the main point of contact providing updates to clients and internal stakeholders and managing project communications

S upply and l ab management : manag ing ven d ors / suppliers / service providers to ensure smooth viral vector lab operation s as needed

Education and Experience :

PhD in relevant Engineering or Science majors and 5 years of related industry experience or MS with 8 years of related industry experience cell and gene therapy experience preferred

Title will be commensurate with qualification and experience

Preferred Qualifications :

Previous experience in viral vector or CAR-T process development and project management

Experience managing scale-up tech-transfer and implementation of manufacturing processes at internal and external manufacturing partners

Knowledge of cGMP and Quality systems requirements FDA guidance relevant to gene and cell therapy

Proven ability to manage matrixed projects and tasks to completion anticipating and elevating risks and obstacles and adjusting to effective contingency plans

Strong organization and record-keeping skills including ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel

A highly collaborative working style track record of successful performance in a matrixed team environment

Strong s oft skills including communication leadership adaptability and problem-solving skills

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 134892.80 - $202339.20 . Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and 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.

Date Posted

10-Nov-2025

Closing Date

27-Nov-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and 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.

Required Experience :

Staff IC

Key Skills

Machine Learning,Python,Data Science,AI,R,Research Experience,Sensors,Drug Discovery,Research & Development,Natural Language Processing,Data Analysis Skills,Toxicology Experience

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 134892 - 202339