Scientist, Bacteriology, Microbial Antibodies and Technologies

Scientist, Bacteriology, Microbial Antibodies and Technologies

Here at AstraZeneca, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. As one of the world’s premier pharmaceutical companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease.

As a Scientist in the early Vaccines & Immune Therapies department in Gaithersburg, MD, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that furthers collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we cultivate and build top talents. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Summary of the group

The Microbial Antibodies and Technologies Group in early Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca is developing new and innovative candidates against infectious diseases. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We’re pioneering innovative research and exploring novel platforms to deliver immunotherapeutics and vaccines against viral and bacterial pathogens. We’re industry-leading in immunology, protein engineering and translational science. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore synergies between small and large molecules.

AstraZeneca has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talents.

Accountabilities

Design, develop and execute in vitro assays and in vivo models to characterize monoclonal antibodies for serious infections. The ideal candidate is expected to work with minimum supervision, demonstrate strong organization, and excellent communication skills.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Master’s degree with 5-10 years of experience or PhD with 1–2-year postdoc experience of equivalent experience in bacteriology, immunology, assay development, and in vivo work

• Broad experience with relevant cellular and antibody-based assay techniques to characterize in vitro anti-microbial monoclonal antibodies (western blot, ELISA, cell-based ELISA, bacteria-based cytofluorimetry, serum bactericidal, opsonophagocytic killing and neutralization assays)

• Strong experience in high throughput screening and automation is desired

• Experience in generating/characterizing mAbs in diverse formats (IgG, multi-specific IgG, multi-specific VHH) is desired

• Experience within in vivo expressed biologics (mRNA/LNP encoded mAbs) is desired

• Proficiency or willingness to learn animal procedures (intraperitoneal, intranasal, intravenous injections) is desired

• Experience in developing pre-clinical animal models is desired

The candidate must be an effective oral and written communicator with a demonstrable track record of quality publications. In addition, the individual must be dedicated to maintaining high laboratory standards, good record keeping, with high regard to quality and safety and must possess good organizational and interpersonal skills in a highly interactive multidisciplinary team-oriented environment.

Why AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca offers an environment where your expertise has tangible impact. Our culture of curiosity, courage, and collaboration enables us to tackle complex challenges and deliver life‑changing medicines. Join us to shape the future of oncology biologics through innovation in expression systems and modality‑enabling platforms.

At AstraZeneca, we seize opportunities to innovate and redefine what’s possible in biopharmaceuticals. Our mission to deliver transformative medicines is underpinned by a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and ambition. Join us in a role where your work directly gives to breakthroughs in oncology, empowering patients and changing lives.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $92,252 to $138,378. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans

Date Posted

09-Mar-2026

Closing Date

22-Mar-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 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.