Early Vaccines & Immunotherapies Interns

We are looking Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD-level students majoring in Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field for 12-week internship role in Gaithersburg, MD from May 18 2026 to August 7 2026.

The below intern projects are positioned for this Summer:

Anti-microbial Single Domain Antibodies; from Technology Development to Drug Discovery Graduate-Level Project

• Work with scientists/senior scientists in group to develop new methods for antiviral and antibacterial single domain antibody discovery
• Utilize wet lab skills to characterize potential lead molecules for antiviral and antibacterial programs
• Present findings in departmental meetings

Automated High Throughput Enzyme Engineering to Improve Bioconjugate Vaccine Production  Graduate-Level Project

• Implement and optimize an automated high throughput enzyme engineering workflow including colony picking, expression, lysis, and analytical readout
• Analyze growth and expression data to guide hit selection for the next round of screening
• Summarize the data and present to stakeholders

Virology Bioassay & Automation Undergraduate-Level Project

• Culture and maintain multiple mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Perform in vitro cell-based bioassays, including infection-based assays and reporter or endpoint-based readouts.
• Support the development, optimization, and qualification of assays evaluating immune responses to vaccine candidates and/or the antiviral potency and neutralization activity of mAbs against respiratory or chronic viral targets.
• Utilize laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers, high-throughput plate readers, automated incubators) to execute cell-based workflows.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; prepare data summaries, figures, and a final presentation to the team.

Assessing Human Immunological Responses to a Novel Vaccine Undergraduate-Level Project

• Conduct in vitro cell stimulation and culture assays to assess cellular immunity following vaccination.
• Analyze and interpret immunological data to connect results to study objectives.
• Generate regular written reports and presentations to effectively communicate results to broader study team.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD-level students majoring in Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field
• Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2026.
• Previous research experience (academic or industrial) involving cell culture, molecular biology, or virology is a plus
• Laboratory skills required differ by project. We
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Virus neutralization assays
  • Flow cytometry (Including high parameter and analysis)
  • ELISA
  • Biolayer interferometry
  • Aseptic technique
  • Pipetting
  • Reagent Preparation
  • DNA extraction and scRNAseq
• Experience with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism and/or introductory coding or data analysis exposure (e.g., Python, R) is a plus.
• Understanding of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• US Work Authorization is required at time of application.
• Ability to report onsite to Gaithersburg, MD 5 days per week. This role will not provide relocation assistance.
• Compensation range: $37 – 48 per hour. Wages are commensurate with education and experience.

Date Posted

02-Dec-2025

Closing Date

30-Dec-2025

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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.