Scientist II​/Senior Scientist , Drug Product & Downstream Development; Viral Vectors

Job Title: Scientist II/Senior Scientist I, Drug Product & Downstream Development (Viral Vectors)

Department: Tech Ops Reports to: VP Process Development Location: Onsite 5 days per week in Berkeley, CA Employment Type: Full-time FLSA Status: Exempt Bonus/Equity: Eligible

Azalea is enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapies
in vivo . Azalea is pioneering a new way to turn a person’s own T cells into a powerful cancer therapy directly inside the body. Instead of removing cells and manipulating them in a lab, we use precision genome editing tools to engineer T cells where they already live. At the center of our approach are Enveloped Delivery Vehicles, or EDVs.

As highly selective couriers, EDVs are designed to specifically locate T cells within the patient and deliver our genome engineering cargo. Once inside the cell, the anti-cancer agent is inserted into a precise site in the genome, ensuring safe and potent modifications to fortify the T cells against cancers.

We aim to make cell therapy faster and more accessible by avoiding complex manufacturing outside the body.

Our platform is designed for precision, so the right cells are safely programmed to effectively fight cancer.

This technology has the potential to treat a wide range of cancers with a streamlined, scalable process.

Our goal is simple: develop next-generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

Azalea is building ambitious science in a fast-moving environment. The people who thrive here are accountable, adaptable, rigorous, humble, and direct. Across roles and functions, we look for team members who demonstrate the following:

Outcome Ownership - We own results, close loops, and follow through without needing to be prompted. We take responsibility for moving work forward and making sure important decisions, deliverables, and handoffs do not fall through the cracks.

Comfort with Ambiguity - We operate in an early-stage environment where information may be incomplete and priorities may evolve. We clarify quickly, make thoughtful decisions with the information available, and adapt without unnecessary drama.

High Standards, Low Ego - We care deeply about the quality of the work and the impact it can have for patients. We raise the bar while staying humble, direct, and open to feedback.

Collaboration and Candor - We share context early, communicate clearly, partner across functions, and operate with transparency. We believe strong collaboration requires both trust and direct communication.

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Scientist II/Senior Scientist I, Drug Product & Downstream Development (Viral Vectors) to join our growing team. Reporting to the VP of Process Development, this individual will play a key role in leading and executing formulation and fill-finish–enabling development for viral vector programs. This person will design and run internal stability and in-use compatibility studies, develop and optimize formulation buffers, and drive mechanistic understanding of viral vector loss of function across processing and storage.

The role includes deep technical ownership of filtration strategy (selection, optimization, and scale translation) and the ability to serve as a “person-in-plant” during GMP formulation and fill activities, partnering closely with manufacturing and quality teams.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, hands-on scientist who enjoys designing experiments, solving complex technical challenges, and working cross-functionally with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and external CDMO partners. This individual will serve as a technical subject matter expert during manufacturing campaigns, contribute to CMC strategy, and help build scalable processes that support the company’s rapidly growing pipeline.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cell and gene therapies while helping shape the future of drug product development. This…