Senior Scientist, Translational Immunology – Cancer Vaccines

Do you have deep expertise in immunology and a passion for translating mechanistic insights into innovative vaccines and immune-based therapies? Would you like to apply your scientific leadership in a company that follows the science and turns bold ideas into life-changing medicines? If so, AstraZeneca may be the right place for you.

This Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the Translational Immunology group within the Infectious Disease Therapeutic Area in Gaithersburg, MD. This group bridges pre-clinical development and early clinical trials, generating the mechanistic and translational insights needed to guide next-generation vaccines and immune therapies across cancer vaccines and chronic viral disease.

This is a primary bench-based role for an expert immunologist who can do more than execute experiments. We are looking for a scientist with deep technical expertise, especially in flow cytometry, who can independently drive projects, generate high-quality mechanistic data, and work effectively across a matrixed environment to move programs forward. The successful candidate will help shape translational strategy while remaining closely connected to the experimental work.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execute translational immunology studies to evaluate cellular immune responses and define mechanisms linked to therapeutic activity and efficacy.

• Lead the development, optimization, and application of multi-color flow cytometry assays, including panel design, staining strategy, controls, compensation, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.

• Develop and implement functional cell-based assays to evaluate mechanisms of action, including T cell activation, cytotoxicity, cytokine production, proliferation, and related immune readouts.

• Independently drive scientific questions and project execution, identifying priorities, interpreting results, and proposing next steps with a strong sense of ownership.

• Partner effectively across a matrixed research environment, working with discovery, translational, oncology, virology, clinical, and computational colleagues to align stakeholders and advance programs.

• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly in team meetings, governance discussions, and scientific presentations.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Immunology or a related scientific discipline, with 5+ years of relevant experience in translational immunology, oncology, infectious disease, or vaccinology.

• Deep expertise in cellular immunology and a strong track record of scientific achievement through publications, applied research, and mechanistic investigation.

• Extensive hands-on experience with multi-color flow cytometry, including panel design, assay optimization, execution, troubleshooting, and rigorous data analysis.

• Strong experience developing and applying cell-based functional immune assays.

• •Solid understanding of immunology in oncology, infectious disease, or chronic viral infection.

• Demonstrated ability to independently drive projects and contribute strategically, not solely as experimental support.

• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with success working across cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.

Desirable Requirements

• Deep understanding of tumor biology, immuno-oncology techniques, and experimental model systems

• Experience with single-cell approaches such as scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, or ATAC-seq is a plus, but not required.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 112,304.00 - 168,456.00 USD Annual base salary. 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.  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a sense of purpose to transform healthcare globally. Our commitment to pandemic preparedness ensures lasting immunity for people worldwide. We thrive on collaboration, investing in groundbreaking partnerships that lead to essential breakthroughs. Our diverse community empowers everyone to share ideas that challenge norms and push scientific boundaries. With cutting-edge technology at our fingertips, we engineer next-generation vaccines that promise profound impacts on global health.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team of innovators!

Date Posted

29-Jun-2026

Closing Date

16-Jul-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.