Director, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

Job Title:

Director, Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery Location:

Waltham, MA Hybrid Working:

3 days per week in the office About the Position AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, is committed to discovering and delivering innovative therapies that transform patient outcomes. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director to join our Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery team. The role focuses on leading both ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy discovery efforts, underpinned by an in-depth understanding of immunological disease biology and expertise in cell therapy (e.g., CAR-T) discovery.

Key responsibilities Strategic leadership:

Develop and execute strategy to advance cell therapy discovery, leveraging state‑of‑the‑art ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy technologies to help build a robust pipeline.

Scientific domain expertise:

Maintain a comprehensive, up‑to‑date understanding of the immunological disease landscape and emerging trends to inform program direction and target selection. Cross‑functional collaboration: Partner with discovery, translational, preclinical, CMC, and regulatory colleagues to progress programs and expand AstraZeneca's immunology cell therapy portfolio.

Team leadership:

Build, mentor, and lead a high‑performing team; foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, accountability, and agility.

Stakeholder engagement:

Align strategies and milestones with internal and external stakeholders and consortia to accelerate delivery against R D objectives.

Compliance and governance:

Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies related to the research and development of medicines.

Assay and process development:

Direct the development of in vitro assays and research processes to evaluate, optimize, and validate novel cell therapy modalities and mechanisms. Required qualifications

Education:

PhD (or equivalent) in Immunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field. 5-10 years of relevant industry experience.

Scientific expertise:

Demonstrated in‑depth understanding of immunological disease biology, including B and T cell mediated immunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy & asthma, fibrosis etc.

Leadership:

Proven track record of leading scientific teams and delivering on strategic initiatives in a dynamic, matrixed environment.

Collaboration and communication:

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills across functions and organizational levels.

Regulatory understanding:

Comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory landscape for cell therapy and genetic engineering. Preferred qualifications Vector and construct design: Experience designing and engineering lentiviral, retroviral, or AAV vectors.

Genetic engineering:

Hands‑on experience applying CRISPR or related tools to innovate and refine cell therapies.

External network:

Established relationships within the cell therapy, genetic engineering, and immunology communities.

Publications:

Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications in vector engineering, cell therapy engineering, or related fields. If you are passionate about leading and innovating in the field of immunology cell therapy, we invite you to consider this pivotal opportunity at AstraZeneca. Join us in our mission to transform patient outcomes through groundbreaking scientific discovery. The annual base pay ranges from $225,208 - 337,812. 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. Date Posted 22-Apr-2026 Closing Date 19-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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We're curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We're driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you'll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you'll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.