Senior Scientist, Translational Immunology – Cancer Vaccines

Introduction to role: Are you ready to make a significant impact in the field of immunology and oncology? We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Translational Immunology group in Gaithersburg, MD. This team plays a crucial role in bridging pre-clinical vaccine development with human clinical trials, aiming to advance next-generation vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. As part of this dynamic group, you'll design, conduct, and analyze experiments to enhance vaccine-induced immunity. Are you up for the challenge? Accountabilities: Design and conduct in vitro assays to assess vaccine-specific cellular responses and translate findings into novel vaccine technologies for oncology and infectious disease. Develop, optimize, and execute innovative assays to identify and quantify cellular targets and efficacy readouts relevant to vaccine performance. Stay current with immunology, oncology, and vaccinology literature and emerging platforms; share insights across Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies. Evaluate new technologies and assay formats for human immune function, driving continuous improvement and innovation. Communicate results in team and departmental meetings and represent the group at scientific conferences. Maintain high-quality electronic records and ensure work complies with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) standards, and relevant internal/external regulations. Essential Skills/Experience: Education Experience: Ph.D. in Immunology, or other related scientific discipline and with 3 years post-doctoral and/or industry experience in related areas Immunology Expertise: Strong foundation in immunology demonstrated by a track record of publications and applied research experience in infectious disease and tumor-immune interactions Flow Cytometry: Extensive hands-on experience with multi-color flow cytometry including panel design, staining fluency, compensation, and data analysis/interpretation Cell-Based Assays: Proficiency in functional cell-based assays to evaluate therapeutic mechanisms of action (e.g. cytotoxicity, T/NK cell activation, cytokine readouts) Single-cell sequencing expertise: End-to-end proficiency with scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, and ATAC-seq—including panel/design and library preparation, QC, and analysis Tumor Biology and IO Techniques: Deep understanding of tumor biology, immune oncological techniques, and experimental model systems Assay Development and Innovation: Proven ability to develop, validate and troubleshoot assays as well as conceptualize and evaluate novel therapeutics Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in team settings, communicate results clearly, and partner across discovery, translational, and data science groups The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 112,304.00 - 168,456.00 USD Annual base salary. 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. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash 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 ambitious world. At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a sense of purpose to transform healthcare globally. Our commitment to pandemic preparedness ensures lasting immunity for people worldwide. We thrive on collaboration, investing in groundbreaking partnerships that lead to essential breakthroughs. Our diverse community empowers everyone to share ideas that challenge norms and push scientific boundaries. With cutting-edge technology at our fingertips, we engineer next-generation vaccines that promise profound impacts on global health. Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team of innovators! Date Posted 15-Dec-2025 Closing Date 01-Jan-2026 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 is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.