Director, Immunology Scientific Innovation

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Working model: Hybrid; minimum of three days per week onsite
Relocation: Relocation may be considered for qualified candidates currently located outside the Boston area.

Position Summary

AstraZeneca is advancing the science of immunology with the ambition of moving beyond symptom control toward disease modification, durable remission and, ultimately, the potential for curative approaches.

As part of this ambition, AstraZeneca is exploring cell therapy strategies designed to reset the immune system by addressing the underlying drivers of immune-mediated disease, including ex vivo and in vivo CAR-T approaches.

We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader to join us as Director, Immunology Scientific Innovation in the cell therapy discover team. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in immunological disease biology and apply this knowledge to shape differentiated therapeutic strategies and discovery programs. The role will complement AstraZeneca’s cell therapy capabilities by connecting disease biology, drug discovery and innovative cell therapy approaches.

The Director will lead laboratory-based scientists in Cambridge, MA and work collaboratively across disciplines and functions to translate biological insights into the next generation of medicines for immune-mediated diseases. This position requires a Boston-area presence to support the leadership of laboratory-based teams and scientific collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership: Define and advance scientific strategies in immunological disease biology, including disease mechanisms, biological pathways and immune-cell biology, to inform therapeutic hypotheses and discovery priorities.
• Shape discovery strategies: Develop and implement discovery strategies for immune-mediated diseases, with particular relevance to inflammatory bowel disease and other B-cell- and T-cell-mediated diseases.
• Translate biology into therapeutic opportunities: Apply a deep understanding of disease biology to identify, evaluate and prioritize mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities capable of addressing the underlying drivers of disease.
• Advance drug discovery and development programs: Contribute to and lead programs from early discovery toward clinical development, applying sound scientific judgment and drug-development experience to critical program decisions.
• Lead and develop scientific talent: Recruit, lead, mentor and develop a high-performing scientific team, fostering scientific rigor, curiosity, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
• Build external partnerships: Establish and maintain productive relationships with AstraZeneca colleagues, external scientific experts, academic institutions and other collaborators.
• Ensure compliance and quality: Ensure that research activities are conducted in accordance with applicable scientific, regulatory, ethical and AstraZeneca standards.

Essential Qualifications

Scientific Expertise

• Advanced degree: PhD or equivalent advanced degree in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology or a related scientific discipline.
• Immunological disease biology: At least 5 years R&D experience in studying the mechanisms and biological drivers of immune-mediated diseases.
• Immune-cell biology: At least 3 years expeience in studying B-cell and/or T-cell biology and their roles in immune-mediated disease.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: At least 5 years experience in inflammatory bowel disease and/or intestinal immunology is highly desirable.

Drug Discovery and Development

• Industry experience: At least 5 years experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Translational expertise: Demonstrated ability to translate biological insights into drug discovery programs and therapeutic strategies.
• Development experience: Experience in contributing to or leading programs from discovery into early clinical development, ideally including progression toward Phase I.

Leadership and Collaboration

• People leadership: Demonstrated experience managing and developing scientific teams.
• Scientific direction: A track record of setting scientific direction, developing talent and delivering results through high-performing teams.
• Matrix leadership: Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary and matrixed research and development environments.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Excellent scientific communication, collaboration and stakeholder-management skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• CAR-T expertise: Scientific understanding of CAR-T or related immune-cell therapeutic approaches is desirable but not required.
• Scientific recognition: A strong publication record demonstrating expertise in immunology and/or relevant disease biology.
• External network: An established scientific network spanning immunology, drug discovery, biotechnology and/or academia.

Why AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca is a science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to pushing the boundaries of science and delivering meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. Our people are empowered to challenge convention, connect diverse perspectives and pursue innovative solutions to complex medical challenges.

Within BioPharmaceuticals, we translate a broad and innovative pipeline into medicines that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients. We foster an environment of scientific collaboration, continuous learning, professional growth and career development.

AstraZeneca’s cell therapy strategy spans oncology, immune-mediated diseases and rare diseases. In immune-mediated disease, the company is advancing approaches designed to address underlying immune dysfunction, including innovative CAR-T platforms.

Join us to apply your expertise in immunology, drug development and scientific leadership to help shape new therapeutic possibilities for patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Location and Working Model

This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an expectation of a minimum of three days per week onsite. The role includes leadership responsibility for laboratory-based scientists in Cambridge and therefore cannot be performed fully remotely. Relocation may be considered for a qualified candidate currently located outside the Boston area.

The annual base pay ranges from $183,768.80 - 275,653.20 USD 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

07-Oct-2026

Closing Date

20-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.