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Associate Specialist, Cell Therapy

Location Rockville, Maryland, United States Job ID R-244994 Date posted 31/01/2026

Associate Specialist (Cell Therapy Manufacturing)

Do you have a passion for science? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the place for you!

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Summary of the group:

Join us as an Associate Cell Therapy Specialist, a manufacturing technician responsible for work completion. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more working at the cutting edge of our operations department. Embrace constant challenges, for us they are intellectually stimulating opportunities to learn more. A chance to come back stronger and hungry for more. We keep going, pushing the boundaries as we work on implementing the best systems with cutting-edge science and manufacturing.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions and/or SOPs, with a focus ‘right the first time’.  Documentation of all activities to meet cGMP requirements. Assist with problem solving activities for deviations/non-conformances/OOS investigations.
  • Routinely monitor, clean, prepare and operate sophisticated automated cell processing, cell Routinely monitor, clean, prepare and operate sophisticated automated cell processing, cell expansion and filling equipment in Grades A & B cleanroom environments, as well as Grade C & D cleanrooms.
  • Train on aseptic processing, equipment operation, cGMPs, documentation, technical theory, and other tasks. 
  • Participate in tech transfer activities. Support process development of platform processes, contributing to the plans and designs of studies/experiments.
  • Ensures a safe work environment in accordance with AstraZeneca standards.

Note that typical working hours for this role are currently 0800-1700 Monday-Friday, with potential to transition to 4-10 hour days requiring weekend work.

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field
  • Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 0-2+ years of general cGMP manufacturing experience | Master’s degree and 0-1+ years of general cGMP manufacturing experience

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge in biologics manufacturing process, cell culture and/or vector products.
  • Familiarity with aseptic technique and working with manufacturing equipment in open and closed systems.
  • Knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and/or process analytical technologies.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and data analysis.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Desired Skills:

  • Previous manufacturing or process development experience with cell therapy or vector products including aseptic technique.
  • Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
  • Dynamic individual with the ability to communicate and engage others.
  • Independent and self-starting. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change ways of working/identify opportunities to improve processes within cGMP clinical manufacturing environment.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $65,081 to $97,622. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Check out our landing page for more information on our BPD group  https://careers.astrazeneca.com/bpd

Our Social Media:

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

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Date Posted

01-Feb-2026

Closing Date

08-Feb-2026

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

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Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value our people.