Senior Scientist (Early Bioprocess Research & Lab Operations)

Job Title: Senior Scientist, Early Bioprocess Research 

Job Description 

Here at AstraZeneca, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. As one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease. As a Senior Scientist, Early Bioprocess Research in the Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies Unit (Early V&I) in Seattle, WA, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.  

The Early V&I team at AstraZeneca is discovering and developing novel vaccines and biologics targeting key viral pathogens.  We are consistently pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.  Our deep expertise in virology, bacteriology, immunology, and vaccines enables our ability to advance novel therapeutic approaches and technologies to prevent and treat infectious disease.  We have an industry-leading pipeline and offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family. 

Currently, we are seeking a Senior Scientist with a strong protein biochemistry background to lead early bioprocess activities for preclinical vaccine pipeline programs. This will be a key member of the team developing next-generation vaccines. The position requires both the ability to lead collaborative team activities and a strong interest in laboratory bench work for driving projects forward. AstraZeneca has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation as we look to attract and develop top talent. 

Accountabilities 

• Independently designs and executes studies for screening and optimization of preclinical vaccine candidates including expression, purification, characterization, formulation, and stability testing of recombinant proteins. 

• Identifies and troubleshoots issues with processes, methods and/or results. 

• Designs, develops and implements analytical assays (BLI, SEC-MALS, DLS, DSF, HPLC, UHPLC). 

• Documents detailed findings in reports and memos suitable to support regulatory document submission and tech transfer to clinical process development teams.  

• Leads and prioritizes activities within a matrix team. 

• Communicates experimental findings in written and oral format to project teams. 

• Makes detailed observations, interprets data and organizes results and recommendations into reports and presentations for Sr management. 

• Maintains complete and accurate laboratory notebooks. 

• Collaborates with internal teams and external vendors on development projects. 

• Operates and oversees maintenance of lab instruments. 

Essential Skills/Experience 

• PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology or related scientific field with 3+ years of experience, or M.S. with 8+ years of experience, or B.S. with 10+ years of experience is required.  

• In-depth knowledge of protein analytical characterization techniques including BLI, SEC, DLS, HPLC, DSF. 

• Practical knowledge of recombinant protein purification using AKTA systems is required. 

• Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills. 

• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability and multi-tasking capabilities. 

• Practical knowledge of microbial or mammalian protein expression is preferred. 

• Ability to work independently, with limited direction from project scientists. 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work five days per week from the lab/office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the lab/office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. 

AstraZeneca offers an inspiring learning environment where every setback is seen as a chance to improve. Our supportive yet challenging approach pushes us towards groundbreaking solutions. We are dedicated experts who combine specialist knowledge with curiosity, always searching for better ways of doing things. Working here means contributing to something that truly matters—using our skillset to make an important difference to society and patients across the globe. 

Ready to make a difference? Apply now on our website! 

 
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $116,284.00 - 174,426.00 . Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.