Sr Scientist – Product Discovery – Temporary Position

Introduction to role:

Are you passionate about innovation and committed to advancing transformative therapies? As a proud new member of the AstraZeneca group, EsoBiotec is setting new standards in pioneering biotechnological research. With a shared vision to transform the future of medicine, our partnership leverages AstraZeneca’s global reach and rich heritage in scientific innovation, amplifying EsoBiotec’s unique culture of creativity and breakthrough advances in cell-based therapies and immunology. At EsoBiotec, now backed by the resources and expertise of one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, you’ll find a dynamic, collaborative environment where scientific passion drives real‑world impact. Be part of a team where your work will contribute to shaping the next generation of life‑changing treatments and help us push the boundaries of science to improve patients’ lives worldwide. We are looking for an inspiring product development scientist to drive the development of our pioneering lentiviral therapies. Join our mission‑driven team and help shape the future of cell and gene therapy with your expertise in product development. We value diverse perspectives and a collaborative, growth‑minded approach.

Accountabilities:

• Responsibilities

  • Independentlydesign,planandexecute in vitro pharmacology characterizationof novellentiviral vector candidatesfor in vivo cell therapyand thereprogrammed CAR‑T cells they generate, including transduction efficiency, CAR expression kinetics, cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and repeat‑stimulation/exhaustion assays.

  • Develop,optimize, and qualify new in vitro assaysto support mechanism‑of‑action understanding, potency assessment, and developability of in vivo LVV candidates.

  • Design and direct in vivo pharmacology studiesin humanized mouse models of oncology and/or immune‑mediated disease, including protocol design, CRO oversight, in‑life monitoring review, sample flow‑back planningand testing, data QC, and interpretation.

  • Generate integrated data packageslinking vector attributes to in vitro and in vivo pharmacology outcomes, supporting IND‑enabling decisions.

  • Author nonclinical study reports and contribute to IND/CTA sections; present at internal governance forums and represent the program with external partners and CROs.

  • Maintain rigorous, real‑time documentationin the electronic lab notebook, ensuring data integrity aligned with GLP‑minded discovery practices.

  • Prepare scientific summaries, internal reports, and presentationsfor internal governance and external stakeholders whenrequired.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or Gene Therapy, with 3–5+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience in the nonclinical development of cell and/or gene therapies.

• Strong T‑cell immunology background with hands‑on experience in CAR‑T/TCR‑T in vitro characterization (essential), including functional potency, cytotoxicity, and cytokine‑release assays.

• Direct hands‑on experience withviralvectors(lentivirus preferred) — including transduction workflows, titer/potency assays, and vector copy number quantification; familiaritywith other in vivo gene delivery approaches is strongly preferred.

• In‑depth, independent execution of multiparameter (and ideally spectral) flow cytometry, ddPCR/qPCR, ELISA/MSD, and Western blot; experiencewith high‑content imaging, single‑cell approaches, or integration site analysis is a plus.

• Experience designing and interpreting in vivo studies in humanized mouse models for oncology and/or immunology including oversight of CRO‑executed studies (preferred).

• Track recordof authoring nonclinical sections of regulatory submissions (IND/CTA/IMPD) is preferred.

• Excellent written and oral English communication; proven ability to collaborate across internal functions and with external partners/CROs.

• Autonomy, scientific judgment, and comfort with ambiguity in a rapidly evolving modality; ability to prioritize hands‑on lab work alongside study‑direction responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our team dedicated to Oncology is united by this vision, pushing forward with cutting‑edge science and technology to achieve breakthroughs. With multiple indications and high‑quality molecules at all stages of our innovative pipeline, we are empowered to lead at every level, taking smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline. Join us in a