Cell Therapy Scientist (Fixed-term Contract)

Job Title: Cell Therapy Scientist (Fixed-term Contract)

Job location: DISC, Cambridge Biomedical Campus UK 

Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits!

Introduction to the role:

At AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D department, we follow the science and pioneer new frontiers. We are a team dedicated to Oncology Cell Therapies, with an ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our big vision unites and inspires us. With multiple indications and cutting-edge therapeutic modalities at all stages of our innovative pipeline, we keep pushing forward. Fusing groundbreaking science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs. We are pioneers of collaborative research and have built an unrivalled scientific community both internally and externally. 

Are you ready to pioneer new science and break boundaries with our ambitious and innovative pipeline? We are seeking an early career Scientist to provide technical and hands-on expertise in Viral vectors and gene editing technologies applied to Cell Therapy. This role is crucial in building our next generation Cellular Therapies. 

What you will do: 

• Independently design, plan and execute engineering strategies for Immune Cell Therapy discovery or technology projects. Delivers work on time and to budget. 
• Maintain a high level of expertise in virology and gene editing technologies applied to immune cells and related assays through constant self-improvement utilising available training and maintains scientific knowledge through review of the scientific literature and conference attendance. 
• Work as part of multi-disciplinary research drug discovery/technology project teams. Contribute to the development of clinical manufacture strategies, reagents or targets to support cell therapy discovery projects. 
• Record and interpret complex experimental results and analyses and reports findings to manager, project teams and the wider organisation. 
• Demonstrate scientific rigour in own data and that of others. 
• Effectively present scientific results at internal meetings and participates, and may present, at external meetings. 
• Provide training /guidance to junior scientists on technical and functional processes. 
• Ensure that work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). 

Essential for the role: 

• MSc or equivalent industry experience in Virology, Immunology, Immuno-Oncology  
• Experience working with immune cells, such as T cells, CAR-Ts or other primary cells. 
• Experience in creating and/or working with complex immunoassays including flow cytometry, cytokine assays, cytotoxicity assays. 
• Hands on experience with cloning, production, and application of viral vectors such as Lentiviruses and Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAVs) 
• Experience with gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, Zinc fingers nucleases. 
• Strong experimental design and problem-solving skills 
• Scientific excellence as shown by previous work, publication history and references from scientific mentors. 
• Excellent team working, communication and networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture and expertise. 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we believe even small opportunities can lead to big change. We value diverse thinking and support each other in creating innovative solutions. You will find support to grow your career and connect with others who share your passion for making a difference. Together, we are crafting the future of healthcare—join us and help us set new standards for what a biopharmaceutical company can achieve.

So, what's next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media,

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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Date Posted

30-Mar-2026

Closing Date

02-Apr-2026

Our 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.