Sr Scientist – Vector Platform

Introduction to role 

Are you ready to dive into the world of transformative therapies and make a significant impact? At EsoBiotec, now part of AstraZeneca, we are setting new benchmarks for biotechnological research. Our collaboration combines AstraZeneca’s global influence and scientific innovation with EsoBiotec’s unique culture of creativity and breakthroughs in cell-based therapies and immunology. Here, your scientific passion will drive real-world impact as you contribute to life-changing treatments.  We are looking for an inspiring discovery scientist to drive innovation and development of our pioneering lentiviral vector therapeutic platform. Join us in shaping the future of cell and gene therapy with your expertise in viral vector engineering, gene editing, CAR and TCR T cell engineering or myeloid immunobiology in cancer

Accountabilities 

• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot in vivo LVV constructs targeting multiple immune cell types using promoter constructions, gene editing, and protein engineering.

• Produce, purify, and qualify LVVs while optimizing packaging, titration, infectivity, and scalability for translational studies.

• Develop and execute in vitro immunoassays to quantify transduction, expression, specificity, potency, and mechanisms of action across target immune subsets.

• Plan and run in vivo studies in humanized and relevant mouse tumor models to assess biodistribution, cell-type targeting, durability, safety, and anti-tumor efficacy.

• Investigate and modulate tumor microenvironment pathways, including myeloid polarization, antigen presentation, checkpoints, and metabolism, to enable synergistic non-redundant mechanisms.

• Implement and interpret multi-parameter flow cytometry, single-cell profiling, spatial profiling, imaging, and NGS-based integration analyses.

• Analyze complex datasets to derive mechanistic insights and communicate findings, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.

• Collaborate with immunology, protein engineering, bioinformatics, toxicology, and translational groups to align designs with target product profiles and clinical needs.

• Drive innovation by identifying novel payloads, promoters, targeting strategies, and combinations, and by evaluating emerging technologies and partnerships.

• Maintain rigorous documentation and ensure compliance with biosafety, animal welfare regulations, and data integrity standards.

Essential Skills/Experience 

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.

• For Scientist level, at least two years of postdoctoral experience focused on non-T cell immuno-oncology and engineering of such cells for therapeutic use (Preferred).

• For Senior Scientist level, at least four years of industry experience contributing and leading projects in engineering of immune cells (excluding T cells) and engineering of such cells for therapeutic use (including Hematopoietic Stem Cells)

• Demonstrated expertise in the biology and engineering of NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid cells, or B cells within the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor activity.

• Proficiency in molecular including vector construction, promoter design and selection and CRISPR/Cas systems.

• Experience in protein engineering to design and optimize ligands, receptors, cytokines, and chimeric constructs that modulate immune function.

• Hands-on capability with LVV production, purification, titration, infectivity assays, integration site analysis, and in vivo safety considerations.

• Deep practical experience with multi-color flow cytometry, cytotoxicity and activation immune assays, ELISA or MSD, cytokine profiling, qPCR or ddPCR.

• Proven execution of in vivo studies using humanized mice and solid tumor models including dose and route optimization, pharmacodynamics, durability, and safety readouts.

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, documentation, teamwork, and communication skills, with mentoring and cross-functional leadership expected at the senior level.

Desirable Skills/Experience 

• Familiarity with high-dimensional analytics including scRNA-seq or CITE-seq, CyTOF, spatial transcriptomics, and advanced imaging for mechanism is preferred.

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.