Scientist – Cell Line Development and Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Development

Do you have a passion for science? Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your expertise in a company that transforms ideas into life-changing medicines?

If so, AstraZeneca could be the perfect place for you!

At AstraZeneca, our mission is to put patients first by addressing unmet medical needs worldwide. Working here means adopting innovation, thinking boldly, and collaborating to make the impossible a reality. If you take initiative, enjoy working in a team, and are curious about what science can achieve, we’d love to hear from you.

About AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD

Our Gaithersburg campus is home to more than 3,500 experts dedicated to developing life-changing medicines. Located just outside Washington, D.C., this modern and vibrant R&D hub fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees here enjoy access to innovative technology and lab spaces, designed to inspire cross-functional teamwork.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace, offering amenities such as a fitness center, healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning services, a full-service cafeteria, and activity-based workspaces that enhance productivity and collaboration.

About Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD)

Our BPD department supports the advancement of biologics from early research to late-stage development. Within BPD, the Cell Culture and

Fermentation Sciences (CCFS) team is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes for biologic products. The team develops high-performing cell lines, transfers technologies to manufacturing, and prepares CMC documentation for regulatory submissions. We use ground breaking technologies, including automation and high-throughput scale-down models, to enhance production capabilities and drive scientific progress.

What You’ll Do

As part of the Cell Line Development and Engineering team, you will play a key role in developing stable cell lines for biotherapeutics and advancing next-generation expression platforms. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and characterizing recombinant stable cell lines for clinical supply, including vector design, transfection, screening, and production cell line characterization.
• Driving the development, evaluation, and implementation of technologies to enhance the efficiency and performance of cell line development platforms.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver project objectives.
• Documenting findings and contributing to reports, procedures, manuscripts, presentations, and regulatory submissions.
• Staying current with scientific advancements and collaborating with internal experts.
• Ensuring compliance with Safety, Health, and Environment regulations and AstraZeneca standard processes.

What You’ll Need

Education & Experience

• BS/MS in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, or Biological Sciences.
• Master’s degree: 0 years of experience OR Bachelor’s degree: 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Industry experience in biopharmaceutical development is preferred.

Required Skills

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, DNA sequencing, RT-PCR, qPCR, and western blotting.
• Strong scientific curiosity with attention to detail and results-driven mindset.
• Effective collaborator with excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical writing).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to lead multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Problem-solving abilities with a focus on troubleshooting scientific and technical challenges.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with robotics, high-throughput processes, flow cytometric analysis, and automated data management.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, every opportunity no matter how small—has the potential to fuel something big. We are pioneers, always looking for new ways to work, develop breakthrough methods, and bring unexpected teams together. Join us in redefining what a biopharmaceutical company can be and help us push the boundaries of science.

What’s Next?

Are you ready to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the team? Fantastic! We have a seat waiting for you, and we hope you’ll make it yours.

Learn More:

• Explore BioPharmaceutical Development at AstraZeneca: Careers at AstraZeneca

• Follow us on LinkedIn: AstraZeneca LinkedIn

• Follow us on Facebook: AstraZeneca Careers

• Follow us on Instagram: AstraZeneca Instagram

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 follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $ 80,653.60 to $120,980.40 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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). 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.