Scientist, High Throughput Antibody Production

Biologics Engineering (BE) is a large, global organization with teams in Cambridge, UK; Gaithersburg, MD; and Cambridge, MA. We discover and optimize next-generation biologics for therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory and immunology, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases. Our Cambridge, MA team is building an innovation center and lighthouse laboratory that combines scientific expertise, high-throughput automation, robotics, and digital orchestration to expand what is possible in biologics discovery.

Through close collaboration across disciplines and geographies, we deliver high-quality therapeutic molecules that advance the R&D pipeline and address unmet patient needs.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Scientist to join our High-Throughput Production (HTP) team in Cambridge, MA. The successful candidate will use an advanced, integrated robotics laboratory to routinely produce, purify, and quality-control hundreds of antibodies and antibody-like therapeutic molecules each week in support of R&D pipeline programs. Working within validated, end-to-end automated workflows designed to enable near-lights-out production, this role is accountable for reliable execution, complete documentation, instrument and material readiness, and timely delivery of high-quality samples and data.

Success requires hands-on high-throughput production experience, fundamental knowledge of protein expression and purification, disciplined adherence to detailed SOPs and instructions, exceptional attention to detail, and a collaborative team-first mindset. The primary focus is consistent operational delivery; the Scientist will also identify and communicate deviations, risks, and practical opportunities to improve workflow reliability.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

· Execute scheduled, high-throughput transient expression, purification, and sample-preparation campaigns for antibodies, multispecifics, and recombinant fragments, routinely supporting delivery of hundreds of molecules per week across R&D pipeline programs.

· Operate liquid handlers and integrated robotics platforms, including Hamilton and Lynx systems and Cellario orchestration software, using approved methods; complete deck setup, barcode and consumable checks, run monitoring, recovery steps, and basic troubleshooting in accordance with SOPs.

· Prepare media, reagents, plates, and consumables; culture CHO and HEK293 cells; perform aseptic transient transfections; harvest via filtration or centrifugation in accordance with SOPs.

· Perform routine production and QC testing according to established methods, including concentration, purity, identity, and other fit-for-purpose biochemical, biophysical, or functional measurements; assess results against acceptance criteria and compile complete, traceable data packages for project teams.

· Track samples, inventory, and metadata in laboratory logistics/LIMS software to maintain chain-of-custody and ensure timely delivery and data completeness.

· Maintain automation and analytical instrumentation readiness through preventive maintenance, calibrations, and upkeep of equipment logs; coordinate vendor service when required.

· Coordinate daily work with HTP colleagues and cross-functional partners to meet weekly throughput, quality, and turnaround targets; communicate status, dependencies, deviations, and delivery risks clearly and promptly.

· Follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, and production schedules precisely; recognize and escalate departures from expected performance, and contribute practical observations that strengthen process robustness and operational consistency.

· Engage with AI/ML and automation tools as they are introduced into workflows, and actively contribute ideas for improving data interpretation, hit triage, and overall efficiency in the drug discovery pipeline.

Education & Experience Requirements

· Master’s degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline, with 1+ years of relevant experience in high-throughput protein or antibody expression, purification, or analytical characterization.

· Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline, with 5+ years of relevant experience in high-throughput protein or antibody expression, purification, or analytical characterization.

Required Skills

· Demonstrated hands-on experience with high-throughput production of antibodies or recombinant proteins, including routine execution of standardized workflows at microgram-to-milligram scale.

· Hands-on experience operating automated liquid handlers; experience with Hamilton or Lynx platforms is preferred, and familiarity with integrated robotics or scheduling/orchestration software such as Cellario is strongly valued.

· Fundamental understanding of recombinant protein expression and purification, including mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, transient transfection, affinity capture, buffer exchange, concentration, and factors that affect yield and product quality.

· Experience with sample tracking and laboratory logistics/LIMS software; comfort with barcode-driven workflows.

· Strong organizational skills and the ability to prepare production runs, manage multiple samples and consumables, maintain accurate records, and consistently meet time-sensitive weekly deliverables.

· Exceptional attention to detail, documentation rigor, and demonstrated ability to follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, process controls, and QC acceptance criteria without compromising quality or traceability.

· Team-oriented, dependable, and collaborative, with clear written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to coordinate closely, share workload, and support colleagues across production, QC, automation, and pipeline-facing teams.

Desired Skills

· Working knowledge of protein purification technologies and common analytical methods (e.g., SEC-UPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, CE).

· Familiarity with lab automation scheduling software; Cellario preferred.

· Basic scripting for data handling (e.g., Python, Jupyter) is a plus, not required.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. You will join a globally connected team at the intersection of biologics science, automation, and operational excellence, using an innovative robotics laboratory to deliver therapeutic molecules at the pace and quality required by our R&D pipeline. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to a high-performing production team whose reliable execution enables discovery programs around the world.

Diversity and Inclusion at AstraZeneca

We believe that diversity drives innovation. AstraZeneca is committed to building an inclusive culture that celebrates diverse perspectives and fosters belonging. We welcome all qualified applicants and ensure compliance with applicable laws regarding inclusivity and employment eligibility. Individuals with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

Apply now and help shape the future of therapeutic protein production.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. 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

Closing Date

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.