Kun Seung (Justin) Lee, MS'24, Biotechnology
Scientist, Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca
January 30, 2026
Can you describe your career path and how it has led to your current work?
I completed my graduate training at Brandeis with a strong focus on molecular biology, protein engineering, and experimental design. During my time there, I became increasingly interested in how foundational research translates into real-world therapeutics. Through lab work, internships, and mentorship from my PI, I developed a strong interest in biologics and applied biotechnology. This ultimately led me to my current role as a scientist in biologics engineering at AstraZeneca, where I work on protein engineering and novel biologic modalities.
What does a typical day/week look like for you in this position?
My weeks are a mix of hands-on lab work, data analysis, and collaboration. A typical day might include designing experiments, running expression or purification workflows, analyzing results, and meeting with cross-functional teams to discuss progress and next steps. There’s a strong emphasis on collaboration, documentation, and iterative problem-solving, which keeps the work both challenging and engaging.
What skills from your Brandeis degree have you found most valuable in your current work?
Critical thinking, experimental troubleshooting, and scientific communication have been invaluable. Brandeis also emphasized independence in research, which helped me learn how to design experiments thoughtfully and adapt quickly when things didn’t work as planned. Additionally, presenting data clearly — both orally and in writing — has been essential in an industry environment.
What advice do you have for current students as they embark on their career exploration or job search?
Start exploring early and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Talk to alumni, attend career panels, and seek out informational interviews to learn what different roles actually look like day-to-day. It’s also important to remember that career paths are rarely linear — being open to opportunities and learning from each experience can lead you somewhere you didn’t initially expect.