AstraZeneca

Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

AstraZeneca$118K — $178K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS in a related field with at least 5 years experience or MA/MS with 3 years experience or PhD required.
  • Strong hands-on experience with oncology and humanized mouse models.
  • Practical expertise in performing intravenous administration and tumor monitoring on mice.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead and deliver high-quality in vivo studies.
  • Experience required in flow cytometry and nucleic acid analysis.
  • Strong skills in data interpretation and scientific communication.
  • Commitment to data integrity and animal welfare is essential.

Responsibilities

  • Design and lead in vivo pharmacology studies aligning with project objectives.
  • Establish and evaluate various oncology models like xenografts and humanized mice.
  • Conduct and oversee mouse procedures according to protocols.
  • Assess vector biodistribution, transgene expression, and anti-tumor efficacy.
  • Execute flow cytometry assays for assessment.
  • Manage nucleic acid extraction and analysis to evaluate viral integration.
  • Synthesize complex data and identify key conclusions for next steps.
  • Maintain thorough documentation and communicate findings to project teams.

Benefits

  • Eligible for short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards.
  • Offers health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Provides qualified retirement programs and paid time off.
  • Flexibility in in-office work with an average of three in-person days per week.
Full Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology to join a multidisciplinary In Vivo Cell Therapy Discovery team developing innovative viral vectors for oncology.

The successful candidate will design, lead, and interpret preclinical studies evaluating the efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of novel viral vectors. This role requires strong hands-on expertise in oncology models, animal procedures, flow cytometry, molecular analysis, and the delivery of high-quality studies in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Key responsibilities

  • Independently design, plan, and lead in vivo pharmacology studies aligned with project objectives.
  • Establish, optimize, and evaluate oncology models, including xenograft, syngeneic, and humanized mouse models.
  • Perform and oversee mouse procedures, including handling, intravenous dosing, monitoring, tissue collection, and necropsy activities, in accordance with approved protocols.
  • Assess vector biodistribution, transduction, transgene expression, pharmacodynamic activity, anti-tumor efficacy, immune responses, and tolerability.
  • Design and execute flow cytometry assays, including sample preparation, panel development, controls, data quality assessment, and interpretation.
  • Perform or oversee nucleic acid extraction and analysis using techniques such as qPCR or digital PCR to measure viral integration and biodistribution.
  • Analyze and integrate complex in vivo, cellular, and molecular data, identifying key conclusions to recommend next steps.
  • Maintain accurate and complete study documentation, including protocols, experimental records, sample inventories, data analyses, and study reports.
  • Communicate study plans, results, and recommendations clearly to project teams and senior stakeholders.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team, and support the development of robust and reproducible experimental workflows.


Essential experience and qualifications

  • BA/BS with at least 5 years of relevant experience or MA/MS with 3 years' experience or PhD in pharmacology, oncology, immunology, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with oncology and humanized mouse models.
  • Practical experience handling mice and performing procedures such as intravenous administration, tumor monitoring, tissue collection, and necropsy.
  • Proven ability to independently lead and deliver well-designed, high-quality in vivo studies.
  • Experience with flow cytometry and nucleic acid extraction and analysis from primary in vivo samples.
  • Strong data interpretation, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
  • A strong commitment to data integrity, quality documentation, reproducibility, and animal welfare.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and manage multiple priorities.


Desirable experience

  • Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research, preferably within oncology, gene therapy, viral vectors, or translational pharmacology.
  • Experience with viral vector platforms, vector biodistribution, transduction, or immunogenicity assessment.
  • Knowledge of tumor immunology, immune-cell profiling, or the tumor microenvironment.
  • Experience with translational biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, histopathology, or related bioanalytical techniques.
  • Experience managing CROs and coordinating activities across internal and external teams.
  • Experience mentoring colleagues or leading cross-functional scientific workstreams.


When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and daring world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118K to $178K. 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
09-Sep-2026

Closing Date
16-Sep-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

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