What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist, Virology Research position at AstraZeneca?
Introduction to Role
Here at AstraZeneca, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. As a Senior Scientist in the Virology Research Team within the Early Infectious Disease (eID) unit in Gaithersburg, MD, you'll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to positively impact patients' lives.
The Virology Research Team at AstraZeneca supports the discovery and development of biologics and vaccines targeting key viral pathogens. Our expertise in cell-based assay design, virology, and laboratory automation powers the screening, down-selection, and characterization of therapeutic candidates across an industry-leading pipeline.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist with broad virological expertise across multiple virus families, deep hands-on experience in cell-based assay development, and genuine enthusiasm for building, optimizing, and scaling the tools that drive drug discovery. This role is ideal for someone driven by the intellectual rigor of solving assay science challenges — How do we design the right tool? How do we make it robust, scalable, and fit-for-purpose? — and who is energized by enabling multiple teams simultaneously. It is well-suited for someone who thrives in technically demanding work and values being at the gates of which therapeutic candidates advance through the pipeline. The position is predominantly lab bench-based in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Accountabilities
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
Date Posted
10-jul-2026
Closing Date
16-jul-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.
Here at AstraZeneca, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. As a Senior Scientist in the Virology Research Team within the Early Infectious Disease (eID) unit in Gaithersburg, MD, you'll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to positively impact patients' lives.
The Virology Research Team at AstraZeneca supports the discovery and development of biologics and vaccines targeting key viral pathogens. Our expertise in cell-based assay design, virology, and laboratory automation powers the screening, down-selection, and characterization of therapeutic candidates across an industry-leading pipeline.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist with broad virological expertise across multiple virus families, deep hands-on experience in cell-based assay development, and genuine enthusiasm for building, optimizing, and scaling the tools that drive drug discovery. This role is ideal for someone driven by the intellectual rigor of solving assay science challenges — How do we design the right tool? How do we make it robust, scalable, and fit-for-purpose? — and who is energized by enabling multiple teams simultaneously. It is well-suited for someone who thrives in technically demanding work and values being at the gates of which therapeutic candidates advance through the pipeline. The position is predominantly lab bench-based in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Accountabilities
- Virological Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the go-to virological expert across multiple concurrent pipeline programs; advise cross-functional teams on virus biology, assay feasibility, and experimental strategy.
- Cell-Based Assay Development & Execution: Independently design, develop, optimize, and validate cell-based assays (neutralization, antiviral, reporter-based, functional, and primary immune cell assays) to evaluate potency and mechanism of action — from concept through high-throughput execution.
- Virus Production & Stock Management: Propagate, titrate, characterize, and maintain virus stocks spanning multiple virus families; ensure rigorous quality control and inventory management.
- Automation & Scale: Advance automated workflows and implement new solutions to increase throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
- Data Analysis & Troubleshooting: Analyze complex datasets, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret results to guide next steps with minimal direction.
- Documentation & Scientific Communication: Prepare clear protocols, quantitative analyses, and technical summaries; maintain audit-ready documentation. Present findings internally and externally; contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
- Innovation & Mentorship: Evaluate emerging technologies to advance assay design; mentor junior team members in technical skills and scientific rigor.
- Education: Ph.D. with 3 years, M.S. with 8 years, or B.S. with 10 years of relevant experience in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
- Virology Breadth: Advanced knowledge of virology techniques including viral propagation, quantification (qPCR, TCID50, plaque assays, FFA), and neutralization assays across multiple virus families.
- Assay Science Depth: Proven track record of developing and troubleshooting cell-based assays from concept to high-throughput execution.
- Technical Expertise: Experience with multi-mode plate reader systems (absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence), image cytometry, high-content imaging, and/or flow cytometry; proficiency in core molecular biology techniques (transfection, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, immunoblotting).
- Automation: Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt new technologies; experience with laboratory automation platforms is a plus.
- Working Style: Independently manages multiple concurrent projects while maintaining scientific rigor and meticulous documentation. Strong collaborative skills with a track record of team-based delivery.
- Communication: Record of preparing scientific reports (manuscripts, technical summaries) and oral presentations.
- Familiarity with assay qualification/validation principles and statistical approaches to assay development
- Experience with virus reverse genetics systems
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
Date Posted
10-jul-2026
Closing Date
16-jul-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.