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AstraZeneca · 14 hours ago

Associate Principal Scientist, Vector Engineering and Cell Line Development

US - Gaithersburg - MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$135K/yr - $202K/yr

5+ years exp

AstraZeneca is a leading pharmaceutical company focused on innovation and delivering life-changing medicines. They are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to drive vector engineering and cell line development for lentiviral vector manufacturing, playing a critical role in building a high-performing function that accelerates their Cell Therapy modalities portfolio.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceuticalPrecision Medicine

Comp. & Benefits

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Design, build, and optimize plasmids and expression cassettes (promoters, enhancers, codon usage, ITR/LTR elements, insulators, ORF engineering) to increase vector productivity and quality while reducing recombination risks and plasmid burden

Engineer vectors with built-in safety controls (split genomes, self-inactivating elements), reduce RCL risk, and minimize integration-competent vector species; align designs with global regulatory expectations and internal quality standards

Evaluate and implement cell substrates for viral vector production, including transient transfection systems, stable packaging lines, and producer cell lines; compare productivity, product quality, cost, and scalability

Generate and characterize stable clones (vector integration, copy number, expression stability, growth/production kinetics); implement selection strategies and gene/vector architectures to enhance stability and yield

Collaborate with internal and external partners, contribute to the development of inducible/regulated producer cell lines; assess leakiness, cytotoxicity, and long-term stability; design induction strategies compatible with GMP manufacturing

Define and execute characterization plans linking design choices to critical quality attributes (genome integrity, potency, residuals, empty/full ratios); collaborate with Analytical Development on assays (qPCR/ddPCR, NGS, ELISA, infectivity/potency)

Prepare technical reports, clone/construct histories, sequence maps, and development summaries; author transfer packages and support implementation at pilot and GMP sites in alignment with cGMP and data integrity expectations

Working with upstream (bioreactor), downstream (purification), and analytical teams to translate designs into scalable, phase-appropriate processes

Evaluate next-generation vector backbones, promoters, regulatory elements, and cell engineering tools; assess new cell hosts and media/feed platforms for improved manufacturability

Qualification

Plasmid designCell line developmentVector engineeringTransient transfectionGMP complianceData analyticsCommunication skillsCollaboration skills

Required

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Virology, or related field with 5–8 years of industry experience or MS with 10+ years

Hands-on experience in plasmid/vector engineering and mammalian cell line development for viral vectors in development or manufacturing contexts

Plasmid construct design, cloning, sequence verification, and optimization for expression and manufacturability

Mammalian cell culture in adherent and suspension; development of stable packaging and/or producer lines, including vector integration strategies and clone screening

Transient transfection optimization at bench and pilot scales; familiarity with single-use bioreactors and scalable transfection workflows

Understanding of vector biology and biosafety (e.g., RCL/RCA risk, helper functions, split genomes, SIN LTRs)

Proficiency with qPCR/ddPCR, sequencing, and relevant product analytics; working knowledge of DOE and statistical analysis

Familiarity with cGMP expectations for starting materials (plasmids, cell banks) and phase-appropriate documentation; experience contributing to CMC sections is a plus

Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work cross-functionally and translate designs into process requirements

Preferred

Experience creating inducible producer cell lines and assessing stability across passages and induction cycles

Background in genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas, recombinase-mediated cassette exchange, safe-harbor integration, landing pad strategies)

Experience with high-throughput clone screening, automation, and electronic lab systems (ELN/LIMS)

Demonstrated linkage of vector/cell design changes to manufacturing KPIs (titer, potency, impurity profile, empty/full, RCL/RCA)

Benefits

Short-term incentive bonus opportunity

Equity-based long-term incentive program

Qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid leaves

Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

Company

AstraZeneca

Glassdoor4.1

AstraZeneca is a pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines. It is a sub-organization of Investor.

Founded in 1999

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GBR

10001+ employees

https://www.astrazeneca.com

H1B Sponsorship

AstraZeneca has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2021 (2)

2020 (11)