Associate Principal Scientist - Immune Cell Fitness

About the role 

At AstraZeneca, we're embarking on an exciting new frontier in medical science – the quest to extend human health span. Our newly formed Aging Research Group is at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative, aiming to develop innovative therapeutics that not only add years to life but life to years. We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist to join our newly formed, dynamic team. As a key member of our compact yet growing group, you'll lead efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying the fitness of immune cells.

At AstraZeneca, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare while working in a collaborative environment at the cutting edge of research. The ideal candidate will thrive in this setting, contributing to our growth trajectory as we build our evolving team.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

AstraZeneca seeks an innovative and highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist with an extensive background in the design, testing, and development of modalities affecting immune cell fitness. As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will be a key member of a team focused on supporting efforts to modulate immune function through the drug discovery process. You will bring your expertise in Immunotherapeutic Development to lead novel drug discovery programs from inception, establish assay systems and deliver datasets that will have direct impact on pipeline programs. 

Essential Requirements 

• A PhD in immunology, biochemistry, and/or immuno-oncology, with at least 1 year of post-doctoral experience 

• A demonstrated background examining the mechanisms of cellular resistance and cellular aging as they apply to immune cell fitness.  

• Program leadership experience including the mentoring and managing of junior scientists. 

• Mastery of techniques to interrogate immune function, with an emphasis on immunometabolism and cellular fitness/resistance.  

• Comprehensive understanding of immune cell lineages, development, and function in homeostatic and diseased states.  

• Ability to independently design and execute research plans for one or more programs, and to review, analyze, and interpret experimental results rapidly. 

• Ability to draft, execute and record protocols and experiments in a timely manner and maintain an excellent laboratory notebook. 

• Job complexity is high and requires the ability to work with high degree of independence as well of a sense of urgency. 

• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. 

• Proven track record of success in your research and experience preparing written scientific reports and oral presentations. 

Desirable Requirements 

Experience in the generation, analysis, and interpretation of high-dimensional analyses (flow cytometric, bulk and/or scRNA seq) is a strong advantage. 

Why Join Us? 

As part of AstraZeneca’s dynamic US biologics R&D community, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of AI-driven biologics discovery and engineering. Collaborating across cutting-edge computational and experimental teams, you’ll drive innovation that brings transformative medicines to patients around the world. You will be supported by a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering environment, with unparalleled opportunities for scientific impact and personal growth. 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $142,377.60 - $213,566.40. 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. 

Date Posted

30-Apr-2026

Closing Date

15-May-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.