Scientist, Clinical Virology

Scientist – Clinical Virology (Gaithersburg, MD)

AstraZeneca is seeking a motivated scientist with a background in virology, vaccinology, or molecular biology to join the Microbial Sciences/Early Infectious Diseases team at AstraZeneca. The candidate will operate independently and in collaboration with others in the clinical virology team to support novel vaccine and antibodies in clinical development for the prevention and/or treatment of viral infections. As part of the Translational Medicine group, you will integrate expertise/findings from discovery research, nonclinical and clinical groups to impact therapeutic programs from inception through to life cycle management for marketed drugs.

The selected individual will be well-organized and a productive scientist who can learn new procedures, design and execute experiments efficiently, as well as analyze, and interpret data. Strong team-based communication and presentation skills will be required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This job is a lab-based research role.  The work will be focused heavily upon molecular viral surveillance and resistance monitoring for the AZ infection franchise. A background in molecular/clinical virology and/or vaccinology is required

• Rescue and characterize pseudoviruses and/or RNA viruses

• Apply molecular biology skills to generate recombinant proteins and viruses

• Execute biochemical and cell-based assays to characterize candidate or authorized vaccines and mAbs for viral pathogens

• Assist in the preparation and review of bioanalytical data and reports suitable for regulatory submission

• Communicate across the matrixed team environment

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in virology, molecular biology, immunology, or another related field with 2+ years of relevant industrial (preferred) or academic experience or a Master's Degree with some relevant experience.

Essential Requirements

• Background in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA and RNA isolation and purification, sequencing, RT-PCR, and qPCR.

• Experience in cell culture, viral propagation, and viral titration.

• Ability to evaluate data quality, troubleshoot, and interpret experimental results

• Meticulous tracking and documenting of results in laboratory notebooks, databases, and scientific reports

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Desirable Requirements

• Hands-on experience with paramyxoviruses

• Understanding of molecular cloning techniques and vector engineering

• Understanding of DNA sequencing techniques (NGS and Sanger) and sequence analysis

AstraZeneca offers a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. Our fast-paced culture encourages agility and responsiveness as we tackle unanswered questions in oncology. We foster a sense of urgency and collaboration, empowering diverse teams to bring transformative medicines to market. With a commitment to inclusion and belonging, AstraZeneca is a place where everyone can be themselves and contribute to advancing societal change. Join us in shaping the future of cancer treatment through innovation and excellence!

Excited to make an impact? We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours. Apply now to join our team and help transform patient care in oncology!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $90,960.80 - $136,441.20USD Annual, either as annual base pay or as the hourly rate (annual base pay divided by 2080 hours)]. 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.