Senior Scientist, Molecular Virology

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

1d • $114,685 - $172,026 • Hybrid

About The Position

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?

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related scientific field with 3+ years of experience, or M.S. with 8+ years of experience, or B.S. with 10+ years of experience.
• 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.
• Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results independently.
• Prepare detailed technical summaries, protocols, quantitative analyses, and maintenance of appropriate documentation.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize numerous different projects.
• Ability to understand, conduct, and interpret results of technically exciting experiments with minimal direction.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while planning and meeting timelines.
• Consistent record of success in your research and experience preparing written scientific reports (e.g. manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g. slides, posters).

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on molecular virology experience, working with DNA/RNA viruses and reverse genetics systems is a plus
• Deep experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction, and vector production and purification workflows.
• Experience with high-throughput or automated workflows is a plus

Responsibilities

• Vaccine candidates Engineering: Design, construct, produce, and evaluate novel antigens/ vaccine vectors to elicit protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens.
• Cell-based assay development: Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine function, 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.
• Data Analytics and Interpretation: Make detailed observations, analyze complex datasets, and independently interpret results to guide next decisions.
• Documentation and Quality: Prepare clear protocols, quantitative analyses, and detailed technical summaries; maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across studies.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Scientific Communication: Present findings with clarity to internal teams and external audiences; publish high-quality work in peer-reviewed journals to shape the scientific field.

Benefits

• positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).
• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree