Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · 21 hours ago
Senior Scientist, Molecular Virology
Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$115K/yr - $172K/yrAlexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on engineering vaccine vectors that provide real protection for patients. The Senior Scientist in Molecular Virology will lead the design and production of novel vaccine vectors, conduct cell-based assays, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance vaccine candidates through development.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalTherapeutics
Responsibilities
Lead the design, engineering, production, and characterization of novel vaccine vectors and/or vaccine antigens, including iterative optimization based on experimental data
Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine expression, and immunological readouts
Apply flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells, and measurement of protein expression to characterize vaccine performance and mechanism of action
Execute advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA isolation and purification, RT-PCR, and qPCR; design constructs and troubleshoot expression challenges
Design mRNA sequences; perform in vitro transcription, purification, and expression workflows for RNA-based vaccine modalities; assess quality and potency using appropriate analytical assays
Design, construct, produce, and evaluate existing and novel vaccine vectors to elicit protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens
Conceive and refine novel antigen and vaccine technology concepts, turning promising ideas into testable hypotheses and well-controlled studies
Plan and execute a range of in vitro experiments to characterize vector performance, immunogenicity, and mechanism of action with rigor and reproducibility
Make detailed observations, analyze complex datasets, and independently interpret results to guide next decisions and de-risk development
Prepare clear protocols, quantitative analyses, and detailed technical summaries; maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation across studies
Collaborate with colleagues across research, development, and enabling functions to align priorities, accelerate progress, and solve technical challenges
Present findings with clarity to internal teams and external audiences; publishing high-quality work in peer-reviewed journals to shape the scientific field
Translate experimental outcomes into recommendations that shape program strategy, inform stage-gate decisions, and advance candidates through the pipeline
Qualification
Required
Lead the design, engineering, production, and characterization of novel vaccine vectors and/or vaccine antigens, including iterative optimization based on experimental data
Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine expression, and immunological readouts
Apply flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging of cells, and measurement of protein expression to characterize vaccine performance and mechanism of action
Execute advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA isolation and purification, RT-PCR, and qPCR; design constructs and troubleshoot expression challenges
Design mRNA sequences; perform in vitro transcription, purification, and expression workflows for RNA-based vaccine modalities; assess quality and potency using appropriate analytical assays
Perform a range of in vitro experiments to design, construct, produce, and evaluate existing and novel vaccine vectors towards the elicitation of protective immunity against clinically relevant pathogens
Contribute to the development of novel ideas in the antigen design, vaccine vector, and vaccine technology spaces
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization
Make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results independently
Prepare detailed technical summaries, protocols, quantitative analyses, and maintenance of appropriate documentation
Publish discoveries in high quality, peer-reviewed journals
Preferred
Hands-on expertise with viral vector platforms such as adenoviral, poxviral, AAV, or lentiviral systems, and associated molecular cloning and genome engineering methods
Deep experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction, and vector production and purification workflows
Proficiency in immunological assays relevant to vaccine evaluation, such as flow cytometry, ELISpot, neutralization assays, or multiplex cytokine analysis
Familiarity with sequence analysis, next-generation sequencing for vector characterization, or structural/epitope-informed antigen design
Experience with high-throughput or automated workflows, design of experiments, and data visualization to drive robust, quantitative decision-making
Understanding of biosafety practices and quality standards relevant to virology and vaccine research, with a track record of reproducible, well-documented science
Benefits
Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
Equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
Retirement contribution (hourly roles)
Commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
Qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid leaves
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
Company
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease is focused on pioneering new possibilities for the rare disease community.
Founded in 1992
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (49)
2024 (57)
2023 (51)
2022 (29)
2021 (27)
2020 (17)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.8M2020-12-12Acquired
1999-02-12Post Ipo Equity· $5.8M
1996-02-29IPO
Leadership Team
Frederic Chereau
SVP, Strategy and Business Development
Imran Shakur
Director, IRT and Technology Lead
Recent News
BioWorld Financial Watch
2026-01-17
bloomberglaw.com
2025-12-20
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