Sr Scientist – Vector Engineering

Introduction to role 

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and validate novel lentiviral vectors for in vivo cell therapy applications.

• Perform hands-on construct designs, viral genome optimization, viral envelope pseudotype engineering and vector assembly.

• Design, plan and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess transduction efficiency, specificity, expression durability, and safety profile of novel in vivo LVVs.

• Develop and run assays for titer, potency, biodistribution, integration site analysis, and immunogenicity in collaboration with analytics partners.

• Apply literature mining, public datasets, and personal expertise to generate innovative, testable hypotheses and prioritize vector concepts.

• Implement rigorous experimental design, statistical analysis, and documentation to ensure reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity.

• Collaborate extensively with discovery teams across AZ including payload biology, bioinformatics, and nonclinical to align vector designs with product requirements.

• Contribute to platform development by creating screening workflows, model systems, and standardized protocols for vector performance.

• Present findings, risks, and recommendations in working groups and project meetings and drive decisions through clear data storytelling.

• Support IP generation by contributing to invention disclosures and sharing FTO considerations with the IP team.

Essential Skills/Experience 

• PhD in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, or related field with 2+ years of postdoctoral experience in academia or industry for Scientist and 4+ years in industry for Senior Scientist.

• Demonstrated expertise in viral vectors and virology with a strong track record in viral vector design, engineering, and characterization for gene therapy

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques for vector construction, promoter and regulatory element engineering, and payload optimization.

• Experience in protein and antibody (scFV and VHH) engineering or envelope/pseudotype modification to tune tropism, entry, and transduction profiles.

• Hands-on familiarity with in vitro cell culture assays and in vivo models for vector evaluation including transduction assays, dose–response, durability studies, and safety readouts.

• Strong hands on competence with quantitative analytics such as flow cytometry and qPCR/ddPCR.

• Ability to design rigorous experiments, apply statistics, and interpret complex datasets to drive go/no-go decisions.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills to operate as a backbone member of cross-functional working groups and align discovery efforts with product goals.

• Evidence of innovation through publications, presentations, or open-source contributions and comfort leveraging literature and public data to ideate and de-risk.

• Organized, proactive, and product-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple experiments, meet timelines, and maintain high-quality documentation.

• Commitment to being fully hands-on at the bench while mentoring peers and contributing to platform and program deliverables.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strong preference for lentiviral vectors. 

• Practical understanding of safety risks and mitigations for LVV including insertional mutagenesis, off-target transduction, immunogenicity, and RCL testing.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where courage, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. With a bold vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, we are dedicated to transforming patient lives through innovative science. Our team is empowered to lead at every level, making smart decisions that drive our pipeline forward. Join us in pioneering collaborative research that unites academia and industry, expediting breakthroughs in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers. 

So, what is next:

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our mission-driven team !

To find out more:

Company site: https://www.esobiotec.com/

Group site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/

Our social media, Follow us on LinkedIn: Esobiotec and AstraZeneca

Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/

Date Posted

Closing Date

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.