Sr Scientist – Product Discovery – Temporary Position
astrazeneca
Mont-Saint-Guibert, Wallonia, BE
Posted Sep 3, 2026
- Other
- Drug Discovery Research
Job description
**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**
- **Independently design, plan and execute in vitro pharmacology characterization** of novel lentiviral vector candidates for in vivo cell therapy and the reprogrammed 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 assays** to support mechanism-of-action understanding, potency assessment, and developability of *in vivo* LVV candidates.
- **Design and direct in vivo pharmacology studies** in humanized mouse models of oncology and/or immune-mediated disease, including *protocol design, CRO oversight, in-life monitoring review, sample flow-back planning and testing, data QC, and interpretation*.
- **Generate integrated data packages** linking 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 documentation** in the electronic lab notebook, ensuring data integrity aligned with *GLP-minded* discovery practices.
- **Prepare scientific summaries, internal reports, and presentations** for internal governance and external stakeholders when required.
**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 with viral vectors (lentivirus preferred)** — including *transduction workflows, titer/potency assays, and vector copy number quantification*; familiarity with *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*; experience with *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 record of 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 place built on courage, curiosity, and collaboration where you can build a rewarding career committed to improving the lives of millions of people with cancer.
**So, what is next:**
Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our mission-driven team !
**To find out more:**
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