Scientist - Immunology

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company with a clear vision: to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines that address some of the world’s most serious diseases. Our Early Respiratory & Immunology division is committed to advancing world health and developing therapies that fight and cure diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis. At AstraZeneca, you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients' lives every day.

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Researcher to join our Bioscience Asthma and Skin Immunity Early Respiratory & Immunology research group in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role will involve conducting ground breaking research to investigate the pathogenesis of respiratory and skin diseases, with a focus on asthma and atopic dermatitis. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in laboratory research, particularly with in vitro assays, primary mammalian cell cultures, and a solid foundation in immunology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement research projects aimed at understanding novel biological pathways in respiratory or skin diseases, specifically asthma and atopic dermatitis, to aid in target validation and drug discovery.
• Work primarily in the lab, developing in vitro and ex vivo systems with a focus on primary and disease tissue-derived cells. Knowledge of in vivo research is a plus.
• Collaborate with scientists from various functional teams across Gaithersburg and with our international sites in Cambridge, UK, and Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Actively contribute to research discussions and provide innovative solutions to advance our therapeutic programs.
• Publish experimental data and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Drive personal development while contributing to the growth of the research team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Requirements:
  • PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or a related field, OR an MSc with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Proven experience with in vitro assays and the interpretation of data.
  • A minimum of 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a research setting.
  • Proven ability to design, develop, and troubleshoot complex in vitro assays.

Essential Skills:

• Expertise in biochemical and molecular techniques, including primary cell culture, qPCR, protein expression analysis (ELISA, MSD multiplex assays), western blotting, and flow cytometry.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to lead multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to independently execute experiments and analyze data.
• Great foundation in immunology and cell biology.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working with lung, skin, or allergy models is highly desirable.
• Experience with in vivo and ex vivo techniques.
• Collaborative attitude with a passion for continuous personal and professional development.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we seize opportunities for change, recognizing their potential to drive significant advancements. Our mission to deliver life-changing medicines is fueled by ambition—finding those moments that can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Join us on our journey to redefine what a biopharmaceutical company can be. We are pioneering innovative methods and bringing together diverse teams to achieve our goals.

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology 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 are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to 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, game rooms, community garden and more. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

Where can I find out more?

Our social media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long-term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $87,200.00 - $130,800.00 USD, 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.

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.