Skip to main content
Search roles

Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology/PCR (CPSS Cell Therapy)

Location Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States Job ID R-229836 Date posted 22/06/2025
Are you passionate about advancing our understanding of genetic analysis and biomarker detection? Join AstraZeneca, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as a Senior Scientist, within the Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) Cell Therapy team, specializing in molecular biology technologies, where your technical expertise will enhance our portfolio in Cell and Gene Therapy. You will report to the Director, Bioanalysis.

You Will:

  • Implement complex molecular bioanalytical methods using PCR and ddPCR/dPCR technologies. Manage technology transfers to established CRO partners and ensure assays are precise and reliable by conducting detailed data reviews and troubleshooting. Author and review method development reports, SOPs, and analytical method protocols.

  • Develop advanced bioanalytical techniques through collaboration across departments. Your contributions will help across the entire AZ portfolio within Cell and Gene Therapy.

  • Operate in a dynamic, matrixed environment to manage team member expectations and influence project strategy and delivery. Collaborate with experienced bioanalytical scientists and partnered laboratories.

  • Support assay development together with bioanalytical strategy leads, ensuring assays meet strategic goals.

  • Enhance AstraZeneca's scientific reputation within CPSS Cell Therapy through data interpretation, presenting at professional conferences, and publishing research findings. Stay current with industry trends and advancements in assay technologies and incorporate relevant updated into assay development strategies.

You Have:

  • PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or related fields preferred, with 0+ years of relevant experience. Alternatively, an M.Sc. with 3-5+ years, or a B.Sc. with 6+ years of experience in relevant areas.

  • Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including isolation of DNA/RNA in various cell/tissue types, ability to independently design primers tailored for use across diverse technologies, developing, qualifying, and validating assays for bioanalytical characterization in pre-clinical and clinical studies within a GxP laboratory.

  • Proficient in analyzing complex datasets using analysis software.

  • Experience working with internal teams and external partners to facilitate technology transfers and oversee assay validations.

  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating accountability, organizational skills, and effective leadership. Maintain accurate records and documentation of all results.

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to explain complex data and strategies to different audiences. Present findings to project teams and team members in a clear and concise manner.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $112,000 to $168,000. However, 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).

Our Benefits:

Benefits offered include:

  • A qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]

  • Paid vacation, holidays, and paid leaves

  • 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.

#celltherapy #LI-Onsite

Date Posted

23-Jun-2025

Closing Date

30-Jul-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the 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.

We’ll keep you up-to-date

Sign up to be the first to receive job updates.

Interested InSearch for a category and select one from the list of suggestions. Search for a location and select one from the list of suggestions. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

Glassdoor logo Rated four stars on Glassdoor

Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.