Director Discovery Process and Analytical development

Overview

Do you thrive in innovative environments and are committed to advancing transformative therapies? Join us to shape the future of cell and gene therapy!

As a proud new member of the AstraZeneca group, Esobiotec continues to set 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.

As Director, Discovery Process and Analytical Development, you will lead the strategy and execution of early process development and analytical method for novel in vivo lentiviral vectors, enabling high-quality discovery and preclinical translation. You will collaborate with discovery teams and participate as a subject matter expert within cross-functional groups (e.g., CMC, QA, QC, Regulatory, and external partners) to inform late process design, characterization, and fit-for-purpose analytics. If you thrive at the interface of discovery science and enabling technologies—and you’re motivated by building foundational processes and assays that accelerate vector innovation—this role is for you.

About the role

We are advancing groundbreaking lentiviral vectors for in vivo cell therapies and need an inspiring leader to drive discovery-stage process development and analytical innovation. You will set the vision for adapting EsoBiotec’s R&D vectors to bioreactor manufacturing, engineering new production cell lines, defining new manufacturing processes and devising bespoke analytical testing, ensuring readiness for seamless tech transfer to global CMC teams and CDMOs. You will bring diverse perspectives together, uphold scientific rigor, and anticipate regulatory needs so programs stay on time, on budget, and inspection-ready.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic CMC leadership : Provide direction to the Discovery process and analytical development team to adapt the production of lentiviral vectors from Discovery to small bioreactor manufacturing and develop bespoke production cell lines and analytical methods, aligning to program timelines and future regulatory requirements.
• Process and analytics ownership : Design, optimize, and adapt early upstream and downstream processes; champion advanced analytical methods for discovery and preclinical vectors prior to transfer to global CMC teams.
• Regulatory strategy and representation : Serve as a senior discovery process and analytical development representative in cross‑functional teams to shape comprehensive CMC strategies.
• External manufacturing excellence : Direct vector manufacturing and quality testing at CDMOs, establishing governance, oversight, deliverables, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Technical rigor and decision‑making : Apply expert judgment to manufacturing and analytics; critically evaluate work plans, data packages, and reports from internal teams and external partners to ensure quality, scientific integrity, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Team building and mentorship : Recruit, develop, and inspire high‑performing teams; embed a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Technology transfer and scale‑up : Lead complex internal and external tech transfers, ensuring seamless scale‑up, robust knowledge transfer, and operational excellence across partnerships.

What you’ll bring

• Education: MSc or PhD in Virology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience: 12+ years of postgraduate industry experience in manufacturing (including GMP) and analytical development; lentiviral vector experience strongly preferred.
• Early process and analytical development leadership: Proven track record leading process and analytical development teams and familiarity with CMC regulatory guidelinesfor gene or cell therapy products, lentiviral vectors strongly preferred.
• CDMO oversight: Solid experience managing vector manufacturing with external CDMOs is preferred.
• Regulatory fluency: Strong understanding of regulatory guidelines supporting CMC development; viral vector CMC strongly preferred.
• Communication: Excellent scientific/technical writing and presentation skills in English; detail oriented with strong stakeholder communication.
• Mindset: Passion for gene therapy, strong analytical thinking, and a collaborative approach; demonstrated success working across internal and external partners.

At AstraZeneca Group, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of science to transform the lives of patients living with cancer. Our diverse team collaborates seamlessly, drawing on collective wisdom from across the globe to tackle the toughest medical challenges. With one of the broadest Oncology pipelines in the industry, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work with novel drugs and innovative approaches. Empowered by courage and curiosity, we take smart risks and challenge norms to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.

Next steps

So, what is next: If you’re ready to shape the future of gene therapy and lead high-impact teams in a vibrant, mission-driven company, we would love to hear from you!

Welcome with your application, in English, latest by 15 February 2026.

To find out more: Company site: Esobiotec (no links); Group site: AstraZeneca (no links); Follow us on LinkedIn: Esobiotec and AstraZeneca (no links); Inclusion & Diversity: (no link formatting); Career site: (no link formatting).

Date Posted: 04-Feb-2026

Closing Date: 03-Feb-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.