Scientist I – Microbial Sciences
MedImmune is the worldwide biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day. As one of the world's premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health, and help fight and cure disease. As a Scientist I in Gaithersburg, MD you'll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients' lives.
We're constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for discovery and a pipeline to show for it. We're pioneering innovative research and exploring novel pathways across key therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and infection and vaccines. And we're industry-leading in immunology, protein engineering and translational science. We offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family, as together we explore synergies between small and large molecules.
MedImmune has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talent.
Role Summary / Main Purpose:
Work within and lead multidisciplinary efforts in the Microbial Sciences research group to design, develop, and execute in vivo and in vitro studies, to characterize biologic therapies directed against pathogens or the inflammatory sequelae they cause. This individual may lead and support one or more projects and will be required to present, publish and work with our intellectual property team as a scientific project leader.
Experience:
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, innovative critical thinker who will perform in vivo and in vitro experiments to investigate the potential of biological drug (primarily antibodies) activities and mechanism(s) of action in multiple mouse infection models. The candidate must have imaging expertise using live cells, fixed samples, dynamic cell culture systems and experience with live animal imaging techniques (e.g. intravital microscopy, IVIS, etc.). There is some flexibility in technical expertise for this position but relevant experience is necessary in at least a few of the following areas:
Position requirements:
•Extensive hands-on-experience with in vivo imaging (intravital microscopy) and rodent surgical techniques is required
•Proficient in immune cell isolation, cell line and primary cell line cultures, and live-cell imaging-based assays is required
•Experience with relevant cellular and antibody-based immunological techniques (multi-color flow cytometry, cell-based ELISA, opsonophagocytosis, labeled-antibody confocal microscopy, etc.) and mechanisms of host innate and acquired immunity is desired
•Experience with animal model evaluation of antibacterial or antiviral, biological or chemotherapeutics
•Experience with handling BSL2 bacterial pathogens (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , etc.)
•Experience in the study of inflammatory mediators and cytokine/chemokine profiling
•Experience with qPCR and measuring host or bacterial transcript levels in vitro and in vivo .
•Experience in molecular biology (e.g. DNA manipulation and cloning, sequence analysis, plasmid vector design and construction) with experience in DNA manipulation of pathogen genomes and vectors.
The candidate must be an effective oral and written communicator with a demonstrable track record of quality publications. In addition, the individual must be dedicated to maintaining high laboratory standards, good record keeping, with high regard to quality and safety and must possess good organizational and interpersonal skills in a highly interactive multidisciplinary team oriented environment.
Job Complexity:
The candidate will work with minimal supervision, is expected to be an independent problem solver and will be required to supervise direct reports and potentially lead project teams.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
PhD (>5 post-degree experience) in immunology, microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
Next Steps – Apply today!
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised
