Associate Principal Scientist, Vector Design

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated,experiencedand strategic Associate Principal Scientist, Vector Designtojoinour Viral VectorNew ModalitygroupwithinAstraZeneca’sProcessScience and Technology (PSAT),Cell Therapy Development and Operation (CTDO) organization. The successful candidate will bringa combination oftechnicalexpertiseinprocess developmentandproject management skills.He/sheisresponsible forleadingviral vectorprocess development projectstoensuretheymeet quality, regulatory, and business goals on time.He/shewillcoordinate cross-functional teams,managesproject timelines and resources, andcommunicatesprogress to stakeholders. This rolewilloperatestrategically in a highly collaborative environment.Thisrole can be based in either Santa Monica, CA or Gaithersburg, MD.

Responsibilities:

• Viral vector process design:Leading,supportingthedesign and developmentof 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 entireviral vector process developmentproject lifecycle, frominitialconcept, lab buildto manufacturingtechtransfer

• 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

• Supplyandlab management: managingvendors/suppliers/service providers to ensuresmoothviral vectorlaboperationsas needed

Education and Experience:

• PhD in relevant Engineering or Science majors and5+ years of related industry experience or MS with8+ years of related industry experience, cell and gene therapy experience preferred

• Title will becommensuratewith qualification and experience 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previousexperience inviral vectororCAR-Tprocess developmentandproject management

• Experience managing scale-up, tech-transfer, and implementation ofmanufacturingprocesses 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,anticipatingand 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 recordof successful performance in a matrixed team environment

• Strongsoft skillsincludingcommunication, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $134,892.80 - $202,339.20. 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. 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.