Senior Scientist, Molecular Virology

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•$114,685 - $172,026•Hybrid

About The Position

Introduction to role: Are you ready to engineer vaccine vectors that turn cutting-edge immunology into real protection for patients? This role places you at the center of designing, constructing, producing, and evaluating novel vectors with the potential to change the trajectory of infectious disease. You will move quickly from ideas to experiments and from data to decisions, partnering with diverse experts who share a commitment to translating science into meaningful outcomes. You will join a collaborative, empowered environment that values original thinking, healthy challenge, and balanced risk. Here, unexpected teams come together to solve complex problems, with leaders who remove barriers so you can ask bold questions and try new approaches. Can you see yourself turning complex virology challenges into vaccine candidates that progress swiftly through development and toward patients who need them? Accountabilities: Vaccine design and engineering: Lead the design, engineering, production, and characterization of novel vaccine vectors and/or vaccine antigens, including iterative optimization based on experimental data. Cell-based assay development: Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine expression, and immunological readouts. Analytical characterization: Apply flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells, and measurement of protein expression to characterize vaccine performance and mechanism of action. Molecular biology: Execute advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA isolation and purification, RT-PCR, and qPCR; design constructs and troubleshoot expression challenges. RNA design and production: Design mRNA sequences; perform in vitro transcription, purification, and expression workflows for RNA-based vaccine modalities; assess quality and potency using appropriate analytical assays. Vaccine Vector Engineering: Design, construct, produce, and evaluate existing and novel vaccine vectors to elicit protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens. Antigen Design Innovation: Conceive and refine novel antigen and vaccine technology concepts, turning promising ideas into testable hypotheses and well-controlled studies. In Vitro Immunology: Plan and execute a range of in vitro experiments to characterize vector performance, immunogenicity, and mechanism of action with rigor and reproducibility. Data Analytics and Interpretation: Make detailed observations, analyze complex datasets, and independently interpret results to guide next decisions and de-risk development. Documentation and Quality: Prepare clear protocols, quantitative analyses, and detailed technical summaries; maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across studies. Cross-Functional Impact: Collaborate with colleagues across research, development, and enabling functions to align priorities, accelerate progress, and solve technical challenges. Scientific Communication: Present findings with clarity to internal teams and external audiences; publishing high-quality work in peer-reviewed journals to shape the scientific field. Strategic Progression: Translate experimental outcomes into recommendations that shape program strategy, inform stage-gate decisions, and advance candidates through the pipeline.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.

Benefits

qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
paid vacation and holidays
paid leaves
health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

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