Scientist Immunology Pharmacology
4314 astrazeneca pharmaceuticals lp
📍 us - gaithersburg - maryland united states🕐 28d ago🔗 workday
Job Description
**Join us to build differentiated medicines in immunology**
At **AstraZeneca**, we are investing in the next wave of **immunology and autoimmune disease** innovation. We are looking for a strong **in vivo scientist** who wants to do more than run studies: someone who can generate robust data, think critically about biology, and help shape programs from **target validation through early development**.
This role sits within our **Early Respiratory & Immunology** organization and is ideal for a scientist who brings deep hands-on **in vivo pharmacology** expertise, thrives in a collaborative research environment, and is motivated by translating complex immunology into decisions that matter for patients. You will contribute to programs in areas such as **SLE, arthritis, and other immune-mediated diseases**, working closely with project teams to answer mechanistic and translational questions with high scientific rigor.
**Why this role stands out**
This is not a purely executional in vivo role. We are looking for someone who can combine **technical excellence**, **disease insight**, and **sound experimental judgment**. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence study design, interpret data in biological context, and contribute meaningfully to portfolio progression.
You will be positioned to:
* **Own critical in vivo study execution** across disease and mechanistic models in immunology
* **Generate translationally relevant data** that helps teams make faster, better decisions
* **Partner cross-functionally** with pharmacology, immunology, translational sciences, and project leadership
* **Grow into study leadership** and become a go-to expert for in vivo immunology approaches
* **Contribute to a high-impact portfolio** focused on serious diseases with substantial unmet need
**What you will do**
You will design, execute, and interpret **in vivo studies** that support discovery and early development programs in immunology. You will work with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with colleagues across functions.
Key responsibilities include:
* **Designing and running in vivo studies** in disease and mechanistic models relevant to autoimmune and inflammatory biology
* **Administering candidate molecules** and collecting blood, tissue, and other biological samples with strong technical proficiency
* **Supporting biomarker strategy** through sample collection, assay planning, and data interpretation
* **Processing tissues and generating downstream data** using approaches such as **flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, multiplex immunoassays, RNA isolation, and qPCR**
* **Evaluating and interpreting primary data** to identify meaningful pharmacology and mechanism-related insights
* **Preparing clear study summaries and reports** that enable project teams to act on results
* **Maintaining the highest standards** in **animal welfare, ethics, documentation, data integrity, and study quality**
* Depending on experience, **leading in vivo study activities** for discovery and early development programs
**What we are really looking for**
We are especially interested in candidates who bring a combination of the following:
* **Strong hands-on in vivo expertise** with confidence operating independently in a research setting
* **A solid grounding in immunology and pharmacology**, with the ability to connect experimental outcomes to disease biology
* **Experience generating high-quality samples and data** across both in vivo and ex vivo workflows
* **Scientific curiosity and critical thinking**, not just technical execution
* **Clear communication skills**, including the ability to explain data, caveats, and implications to diverse stakeholders
* **A collaborative mindset** and the maturity to work productively across disciplines
**Essential qualifications**
* **BSc required** in **immunology, pharmacology, biology, or a related discipline + 5 years of experience**
* **MSc preferred**, or equivalent depth of hands-on scientific experience **\+ 3 years of experience**
* Proven experience in **in vivo research** using animal models
* Demonstrated capability in **tissue collection and sample processing**
* Experience with one or more relevant techniques, including **flow cytometry and analysis, immunofluorescent staining, multiplex ELISA or related immunoassay platforms, RNA isolation, and qPCR**
* Good understanding of **immunology, pharmacology, and physiology**
* Experience in **data analysis, study documentation, reporting, and archiving**
* Familiarity with **statistical methods** and quality-focused experimental practice
* Strong written and spoken **English communication skills**
**Highly desirable experience**
Candidates will stand out if they have experience in one or more of the following areas:
* **Industry experience** in **biopharma** or **drug discovery**
* Research in **autoimmune or inflammatory disease**, such as **SLE, arthritis, or IBD**
* Experience with **specialized in vivo techniques** or development/optimization of in vivo models
* Use of **translational biomarkers** to bridge preclinical findings to clinical questions
* Exposure to working in **matrixed project teams** where data drives portfolio decisions
**What success looks like in this role**
In this position, success means consistently delivering **reliable, decision-enabling data**, proactively identifying experimental risks or alternative interpretations, and becoming a trusted scientific contributor within project teams. Over time, you will help strengthen our in vivo capability, elevate experimental quality, and influence how we progress promising immunology programs.
**Why AstraZeneca**
At AstraZeneca, we combine **deep scientific expertise**, **bold ambition**, and a shared commitment to patients. In **Respiratory & Immunology**, we are building a pipeline designed to do more than treat symptoms: we aim to change the course of disease. You will join a team that values **scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, and integrity**, and you will have the opportunity to do meaningful work in an environment that supports growth.
**Apply**
If you are an in vivo scientist who wants to contribute to cutting-edge **immunology drug discovery** and make a visible impact on programs with real patient potential, we encourage you to apply.
**Date Posted**
13-ago-2026
**Closing Date**
19-ago-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.