Senior Scientist, Virology Research

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 

• 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. 

Essential Skills/Experience 

• 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. 

Desirable Skills/Experience 

• Familiarity with assay qualification/validation principles and statistical approaches to assay development 

• Experience with virus reverse genetics systems 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. This is a full-time, onsite position balanced by individual flexibility. AstraZeneca offers an inspiring environment where every setback is a chance to improve and where your skillset makes an important difference to patients across the globe. 

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!