Senior Scientist – Bacteriology – Microbial Antibodies and Technologies

Here at AstraZeneca, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. As one of the world’s premier pharmaceutical companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease. As a Senior Scientist in the early Vaccines & Immune Therapies department in Gaithersburg, MD, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.

AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that furthers collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we cultivate and build top talents. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Summary of the group:

The Microbial Antibodies and Technologies Group in early Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca is developing new and innovative candidates against infectious diseases. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We’re pioneering innovative research and exploring novel platforms to deliver immunotherapeutics and vaccines against viral and bacterial pathogens. We’re industry-leading in immunology, protein engineering and translational science. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore synergies between small and large molecules.

AstraZeneca has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talents.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Design, develop and execute in vitro assays and in vivo models to characterize monoclonal antibodies for serious infections.
• Expected to work with minimum supervision, demonstrate strong organization, and excellent communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A PhD with 2-3 postdoc experience or Master’s degree with 10-15 years of experience of equivalent experience in bacteriology, immunology, assay development, and in vivo work
• Broad experience with relevant cellular and antibody-based assay techniques to characterize in vitro anti-microbial monoclonal antibodies (western blot, ELISA, cell-based ELISA, bacteria-based cytofluorimetry, serum bactericidal, opsonophagocytic killing and neutralization assays)
• Strong experience in high throughput screening and automation is desired · Experience in generating/characterizing mAbs in diverse formats (IgG, multi-specific IgG, multi-specific VHH) is desired
• Experience with in vivo expressed biologics (mRNA/LNP encoded mAbs) is desired · Proficiency or willingness to learn animal procedures (intraperitoneal, intranasal, intravenous injections) is desired
• Experience in developing pre-clinical animal models is desired
• Must be an effective oral and written communicator with a demonstrable track record of quality publications.
• Must be dedicated to maintaining high laboratory standards, good record keeping, with high regard to quality and safety and must possess good organizational and interpersonal skills in a highly interactive multidisciplinary team-oriented environment.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next? 

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $112,164.00 - $168,246.00 USDAnnual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our 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. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.