Scientist -Bioscience/Research (Asthma and Skin Immunity Early Respiratory & Immunology)
Location: Gaithersburg MD
AstraZeneca is a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company. We are dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative, meaningful medicines and healthcare solutions that enrich the lives of patients. The vision of AstraZeneca Early Respiratory & Immunology is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day.
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist -Bioscience (Researcher) to join the Bioscience Asthma and Skin Immunity Early Respiratory & Immunology research group in Gaithersburg to work on research projects focused on investigating the pathogenesis of respiratory and skin diseases including asthma and atopic dermatitis. In this role you would be expected to demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm for innovative scientific research supporting the discovery and development of new therapies. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with in vitro assays, culture of primary mammalian cells and cell lines, and a basic understanding of immunology.
Accountabilities/Responsibilities
This job is a lab-based research role, and you will have significant opportunity to contribute to the direction of the work. The work will be predominantly at the bench, developing in vitro and ex vivo systems and working with primary and disease tissue-derived cells, although knowledge and experience of in vivo science is a bonus. A familiarity with in vitro and ex vivo approaches to understand basic biological mechanisms in disease is needed.
You will focus your research on characterizing novel biology pathways in respiratory or skin diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis to aid target validation and drug projects.
The role will be based in Gaithersburg within AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art laboratories where you will follow the science to help drive innovation and advance medicine to help improve patient lives.
You will collaborate with scientists from a variety of functional teams in Gaithersburg and with our sites in Cambridge, UK and Gothenburg, Sweden.
You will benefit from daily interaction and collaboration with highly accomplished scientists and the position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment developing your career at the interface of research and drug discovery.
Encouragement and support will be provided to help you develop specialist knowledge and skill sets.
Contributing experiments and data for publication of manuscripts.
Education
Minimum requirements:
PhD in Biology, Microbiology or Immunology or a closely related field, or MSc plus at least 5 years experience in biotech or pharma
Technical expertise in performing, developing and interpreting data from in vitro assays
At least 5 years of hands-on lab experience, within academia and/or biotech or pharma.
Scientific creativity and ability to develop and trouble-shoot complex in vitro assays
Essential
Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team to conduct a high-level research project.
Strong hands on skills in basic biochemical and molecular techniques including primary cell culture, quantification of mRNA (qPCR) and protein expression; ELISA, MSD multiplex assays, western blot and flow cytometry
Written and oral communication skills and the ability to critically analyze data sets.
Expertise with primary cell culture/co-culture of primary human cells
The ability to effectively develop, execute and interpret in vitro and ex-vivo assays to understand mechanisms important in disease pathogenesis
Basic understanding of immunology and cell biology
Desirable
Experience with lung, skin or allergy models is highly desirable
In vivo/ex vivo skills are a plus.
Ability to contribute to collaborative projects in a team setting
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $87,200 to $130,800. However, 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) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly 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 salary (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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.