Skip to main content
Search roles

Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology, Oncology R&D

Location Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States Job ID R-232002 Date posted 20/07/2025

Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology, Oncology R&D, Gaithersburg, MD

About this Opportunity

Are you ready to make a difference in the world of Oncology? We are seeking a pharmacology Senior Scientist within the Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) group to serve as an in vivo lead supportingboth preclinical and clinical programs. This role will work with colleagues to generate robust datasets directlyimpactingoncology ADC drug discovery and pipeline development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Working within the Early Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Team, you will design, runand analyze in vivo experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics. You will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from biosciences, translational medicine, clinical, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and safety to help understand the translatability of in vivo research to the clinic. You will work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure the timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data, and contribute to scientific publication goals. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in laboratory science you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumor biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research.

Essential Skills/Experience:

  • A PhD with at least two years or a BS/MS with at least five years of relevant research experience in biology, pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline is required.

  • Significant hands-on experience developing and working with complex in vivo models, such as xenograft, patient derived xenograft (PDX), syngeneic and orthotopic mouse models.

  • Experience executing in vivo pharmacology studies in mouse tumor models, including dose-finding tolerability studies, PK/PD and efficacy studies.

  • Adept at various routes of dosing administration, such as intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), and oral gavage (PO).

  • Ability to work independently, critically analyze and report data, and interpret experimental findings within the broader landscape of drug discovery.

  • Experience in preparingpharmacology project packages for internal milestone transitions and IND filings which exemplify a clear communication style.

  • In-depth knowledge of ADCs and oncology disease area biology (solid tumors).

  • Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organizations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.

  • Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills, and attention to detail.

  • Strong interpersonal, collaborative and team building skills.

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we are on a mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are a science-based, leading and decisive Oncology enterprise united in our vision. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs and help discover what's next. We foster a mindset of courage, where everyone is empowered to step up, innovate and work at pace. We lead through true collaboration, building collective wisdom by giving everyone a chance to input. Our pipeline is a testament to our growth, both now and in the future.

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 follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs approximately 5000 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is an Oncology R&D hub in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help boost productivity and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Ready to make a meaningful difference? Apply now and join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $108,784.80 - 163,177.20. 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

21-Jul-2025

Closing Date

30-Aug-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the 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.

We’ll keep you up-to-date

Sign up to be the first to receive job updates.

Interested InSearch for a category and select one from the list of suggestions. Search for a location and select one from the list of suggestions. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

Glassdoor logo Rated four stars on Glassdoor

Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.