AstraZeneca · 14 hours ago
Senior Scientist, Molecular Virology
US - Gaithersburg - MD
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$115K/yr - $172K/yrAstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines. The Senior Scientist in Molecular Virology will lead the design, engineering, and evaluation of novel vaccine vectors aimed at combating infectious diseases, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate scientific insights into actionable outcomes.
BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceuticalPrecision Medicine
Responsibilities
Lead the design, engineering, production, and characterization of novel vaccine vectors and/or vaccine antigens, including iterative optimization based on experimental data
Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine expression, and immunological readouts
Apply flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells, and measurement of protein expression to characterize vaccine performance and mechanism of action
Execute advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA isolation and purification, RT-PCR, and qPCR; design constructs and troubleshoot expression challenges
Design mRNA sequences; perform in vitro transcription, purification, and expression workflows for RNA-based vaccine modalities; assess quality and potency using appropriate analytical assays
Design, construct, produce, and evaluate existing and novel vaccine vectors to elicit protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens
Conceive and refine novel antigen and vaccine technology concepts, turning promising ideas into testable hypotheses and well-controlled studies
Plan and execute a range of in vitro experiments to characterize vector performance, immunogenicity, and mechanism of action with rigor and reproducibility
Make detailed observations, analyze complex datasets, and independently interpret results to guide next decisions and de-risk development
Prepare clear protocols, quantitative analyses, and detailed technical summaries; maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across studies
Collaborate with colleagues across research, development, and enabling functions to align priorities, accelerate progress, and solve technical challenges
Present findings with clarity to internal teams and external audiences; publishing high-quality work in peer-reviewed journals to shape the scientific field
Translate experimental outcomes into recommendations that shape program strategy, inform stage-gate decisions, and advance candidates through the pipeline
Qualification
Required
Lead the design, engineering, production, and characterization of novel vaccine vectors and/or vaccine antigens, including iterative optimization based on experimental data
Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine expression, and immunological readouts
Apply flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells, and measurement of protein expression to characterize vaccine performance and mechanism of action
Execute advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA isolation and purification, RT-PCR, and qPCR; design constructs and troubleshoot expression challenges
Design mRNA sequences; perform in vitro transcription, purification, and expression workflows for RNA-based vaccine modalities; assess quality and potency using appropriate analytical assays
Perform a range of in vitro experiments to design, construct, produce, and evaluate existing and novel vaccine vectors towards the elicitation of protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens
Contribute to the development of novel ideas in the antigen design, vaccine vector, and vaccine technology spaces
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization
Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results independently
Prepare detailed technical summaries, protocols, quantitative analyses, and maintenance of appropriate documentation
Publish discoveries in high quality, peer-reviewed journals
Preferred
Hands-on expertise with viral vector platforms such as adenoviral, poxviral, AAV, or lentiviral systems, and associated molecular cloning and genome engineering methods
Deep experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction, and vector production and purification workflows
Proficiency in immunological assays relevant to vaccine evaluation, such as flow cytometry, ELISpot, neutralization assays, or multiplex cytokine analysis
Familiarity with sequence analysis, next-generation sequencing for vector characterization, or structural/epitope-informed antigen design
Experience with high-throughput or automated workflows, design of experiments, and data visualization to drive robust, quantitative decision-making
Understanding of biosafety practices and quality standards relevant to virology and vaccine research, with a track record of reproducible, well-documented science
Benefits
Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
Equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
Retirement contribution (hourly roles)
Commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
Qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid leaves
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
Company
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines. It is a sub-organization of Investor.
Founded in 1999
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
AstraZeneca has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2021 (2)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.26B2024-07-30Post Ipo Debt· $1.51B
2023-02-28Post Ipo Debt· $2.25B
2023-02-24Post Ipo Debt· $1.5B
Leadership Team
Pascal Soriot
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Aradhana Sarin
Group CFO and Executive Director
Recent News
Essential Business
2026-01-24
2026-01-23
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