AstraZeneca Posted August 13, 2026

Scientist (In Vivo), Immunology/Pharmacology

Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America Full time
Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research Immunology

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About this opportunity

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 excellencedisease 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 expertisebold 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.

Job details

Seniority
Not listed
Function
Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research
Therapeutic area
Immunology
Location
Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
Employment type
Full time

How this role compares

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