Job DescriptionCurrently, we are seeking a highly motivated and broadly skilled bench scientist with in vivo technical and immunology expertise and a track record of scientific achievement to join the Virology and Vaccine Discovery group at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD. The scientist will be a key member of a team focused on developing next-generation cancer vaccines through the drug discovery process. The position requires a strong interest in vivarium and laboratory bench work to drive projects forward.
Major responsibilities
: - Design, manage, and conduct in vivo rodent studies to support the development of cancer vaccines targeting host tumor antigens and endogenous retroviruses
- Perform immunizations, tumor implantations, and necropsies, collect and process tissues and blood products for downstream immunological assays
- Conduct in vitro immunological assays to support the development of vaccines, including flow cytometry, ELISpot, and ELISA
- Design, execute and interpret results from animal studies to characterize biologic therapies directed against tumor antigens as part of vaccine antigen discovery efforts
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization (e.g. protein engineering, bioinformatics, pathology, and translational medicine) to drive projects towards successful completion
Requirements/ Qualifications
: - B.S. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related scientific discipline with 2+ years of experience or
- M.S. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related scientific discipline
Specific skills
: Broad experience desired in oncology, immunology, and vaccinology
- Advanced knowledge of animal handling techniques, including intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous, and intravenous immunizations, and euthanasia
- Advanced knowledge of tumor harvesting and other tissue processing, i.e. lymph nodes and spleen
- Experience with mouse tumor model development is strongly desired
- Knowledge of flow cytometry sample acquisition and data analysis is strongly desired
- Experience with automation is desired
- Ability to multitask and prioritize among numerous projects
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
- Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while planning and meeting timelines
- Proven track record of success in your research and experience preparing written scientific reports (e.g. manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g. slides, posters)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Job complexity
: Must be able to understand, conduct and interpret results of technically challenging experiments with supervision.
Supervision: Ability to work independently as well as part of team is expected.
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $92,252 to $130,378. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted07-ago-2026
Closing Date13-ago-2026
