AstraZeneca

Principal Scientist Metabolism Bioscience Research, CVRM

AstraZeneca$172K — $259K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., metabolic diseases, neuroscience).
  • 5+ years' drug discovery experience in academia or industry post-PhD.
  • Deep expertise in skeletal muscle biology and physiology, with assay development skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of metabolic diseases and body weight regulation mechanisms.
  • Experience with new model development and laboratory techniques, with hands-on science enthusiasm.
  • Demonstrated scientific leadership with a strong publication record and collaborations.
  • Proven ability to manage complex projects and establish research collaborations.

Responsibilities

  • Drive scientific innovation in therapeutic interventions for obesity.
  • Lead global project teams and external collaborations for drug development.
  • Champion innovative drug discovery approaches focusing on body weight management.
  • Contribute to research strategy as a member of the leadership team.
  • Lead selection and validation of research targets and oversee projects into early clinical phases.
  • Raise scientific profile through publications, presentations, and collaborative initiatives.

Benefits

  • Qualified retirement programs
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with plan terms
Full Job Description
Job Title: Principal Scientist (Director level), Metabolism Bioscience Research

Location: Gaithersburg, MD (US)

Are you an expert in the skeletal muscle biology? Would you like to apply your research expertise to accelerating innovative science and turn ideas into life changing medicines? Join us to discover future treatments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic (CVRM) diseases!

We are seeking a passionate and accomplished Principal Scientist with expertise in skeletal muscle physiology, metabolism and drug discovery to join our vibrant research community in the Metabolism Bioscience Division within Early CVRM Research and Development.

The Metabolism Bioscience Division is one of the three main therapeutic research areas within the Bioscience department that delivers candidate drugs into clinical development. The Early CVRM Bioscience department has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We are a team of professionals who are passionate about advancing science to discover and develop novel therapeutics that will benefit patients with obesity, diabetes and their co-morbidities.

Accountabilities
This scientific leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to set strategic direction and shape the future of developing novel therapies for treating obesity, with a focus on mechanisms that will elicit healthy body weight loss and maintenance. You will:

  • Apply your expertise in skeletal muscle physiology and metabolic diseases to drive scientific and technical innovation, identify and advance new therapeutic interventions.


  • Lead multidisciplinary global project teams, as well as external collaborations, to deliver key experimental data and progress the drug project portfolio.


  • Champion novel approaches to drug discovery in healthy body weight loss and body weight maintenance, facilitating scientific debate and innovation through leadership and mentorship within the CVRM Research community.


  • Contribute to the evolution of research strategy within the Metabolism Bioscience division as a member of its leadership team.


  • Play a lead role in the selection and validation of research targets, leading projects from discovery through to early clinical development, and serve as Bioscience lead on drug discovery projects.


  • Raise the scientific profile of Early CVRM both internally and externally through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and leading collaborative initiatives.


Essential Skills/Experience

  • PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, neuroscience, immunology etc.).


  • 5+ years' drug discovery or relevant experience in academia, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry following postdoctoral research.


  • Deep expertise in skeletal muscle biology and physiology, including in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assay development.


  • Extensive scientific knowledge of metabolic diseases and mechanisms of body weight regulation, alongside a strong track record of leading laboratory-based research.


  • Experience in new model development, laboratory techniques, and enthusiasm for performing hands-on science.


  • Demonstrated scientific leadership reflected by a robust publication track record in high impact journals, external presentations, and collaborations.


  • Proven ability to manage multifaceted projects and establish research collaborations, leveraging a broad professional network.


  • Track record as a project leader or bioscience lead, conducting, planning, and guiding complex scientific projects within multidisciplinary teams.


Desirable Skills/Experience

  • Significant experience with in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo technologies to assess multiple target classes.


  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or tasks.


  • Extensive network and collaboration experience within the metabolic diseases research field.


Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $ 172,672.00 - $259,008.00 USD Annual. 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 Posted
24-Apr-2026

Closing Date
24-May-2026

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at AstraZeneca

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Principal Scientist Metabolism Bioscience Research, CVRM jobs: