AstraZeneca Posted August 21, 2026

Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America Full time
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AstraZeneca is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.

About this opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Scientist- Cancer immunology/immunotherapy with experience in mammalian cell culture and a strong interest in cellular immunology to join our growing research organization. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and execution of complex immune assays to identify and validate novel targets that support our immuno-oncology research programs. You will work with primary human samples, apply key immunological techniques such as flow cytometry and ELISpot, and generate high-quality scientific data that will advance our understanding of immune responses and inform the development of innovative therapies.

As a Scientist, you will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team based in Boston, collaborating closely with colleagues across discovery and translational research. You will bring strong laboratory skills, scientific curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to support assay development, data generation, and scientific decision-making. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to novel immunotherapeutic approaches while continuing to develop your expertise in a dynamic and cutting-edge research environment.

Accountabilities

Design, develop, and execute complex cellular immunology assays to identify and validate novel targets for cancer immunotherapy research.

Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance and manipulation of primary human immune cells such as T cells and other patient-derived cell populations.

Assess T cell activation, functionality, and immune responses using techniques including flow cytometry, ELISpot, and cell-based functional assays.

Generate, analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data in a clear and scientifically rigorous manner.

Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health and Environment standards, and AstraZeneca policies.

Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to share scientific knowledge and support project objectives across research programs.

Contribute to the optimization and continuous improvement of assay platforms, methodologies, and laboratory workflows.

Support the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, publications, and other documentation to communicate research findings.

Stay current with advancements in immunology and related scientific fields and apply new knowledge to ongoing research activities.

Essential Skills/Experience

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, PhD, or equivalent experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.

Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including primary human immune cells such as T cells.

Experience performing immunological assays, including flow cytometry (FACS) and ELISpot.

Working knowledge of biochemical and cellular assay techniques, including ELISA and cell-based functional assays.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret experimental data and draw scientifically sound conclusions.

Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate laboratory records and documentation.

Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Demonstrated enthusiasm for scientific learning and a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Desirable Skills/Experience

Experience working with patient-derived samples and primary human tissues.

Knowledge of multi-parameter flow cytometry panel design, optimization, and analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software.

Experience with high-content imaging, multiplex cytokine analysis, or other advanced immunological assay platforms.

Understanding of antigen-specific T cell biology, cancer immunology, or vaccine research.

Experience supporting translational research or biomarker discovery programs.

Familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.

Previous experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic research environment.

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

03-Oct-2026

Closing Date

06-Oct-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.

Job details

Seniority
Not listed
Function
Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research
Therapeutic area
Oncology
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Employment type
Full time

How this role compares

Computed from every other active Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research role in our database, not just this employer's listings.

We currently track 431 comparable Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research roles across 56 biopharma companies.

431Comparable roles tracked
408Currently active
56Companies hiring similar roles
19Countries represented

Salary context

161 of 431 peers report a salary range (USD, annualized)

Peers share this role's job function. This posting doesn't list a seniority level, so peers aren't narrowed by seniority either -- the range below may span more levels than usual.

This roleSubject Not listed on this posting
Highest disclosed · AVP/ Head, Quantitative Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics - Oncology · Merck $282,200/yr – $444,200/yr
Peer group range $0 – $363,200 (median $183,250)

Where these roles are based

Top locations among the 431 comparable roles

United States333
India15
United Kingdom13
Canada11
Switzerland9
Germany8

+ 13 more countries

Seniority mix

352 of 431 peers have a known seniority level

Senior97
Principal75
Intern/Fellow/Postdoc67
Director39
Associate22
Associate Director22
Senior Director14
Executive/VP8
Manager8

Therapeutic area mix

58 of 431 peers have a known therapeutic area; the rest are genuinely unlabeled, not hidden

Oncology26
Immunology11
Neuroscience7
Cardiovascular / CVRM6
Vaccines & Infectious Disease2
Rare Disease2
Respiratory2
Ophthalmology1
Gastroenterology1

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How we calculate "similar"

No black box, no LLM guesswork: a deterministic score built from four normalized attributes. Here's this role's own peer group at different match levels, so you can see the mechanism, not just the result.

Every comparison starts from the same 100-point budget: 25 for working in the same function, 40 for the same therapeutic area, 20 for the same or adjacent seniority, 15 for the same country. A dimension we can't confirm on both sides contributes nothing, never a guess, never a free pass.

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Unmatched or unknown dimensions score exactly the same: 0 points, never a partial guess. A role we know almost nothing about beyond its function bottoms out at 25%; it never inflates to 100% just because there's little to compare against. Seniority uses a defined ladder (Associate → Manager → Associate Director → Senior → Principal → Director → Senior Director → Executive/VP) so "Director" and "Senior Director" count as adjacent, but "Director" and "Executive/VP" do not.