Senior scientist, in vivo pharmacology

Are you ready to dive into the world of transformative therapies and make a significant impact? At EsoBiotec, now part of AstraZeneca, we are setting new benchmarks for biotechnological research. Our collaboration combines AstraZeneca’s global influence and scientific innovation with EsoBiotec’s unique culture of creativity and breakthroughs in cell-based therapies and immunology. Here, your scientific passion will drive real-world impact as you contribute to life-changing treatments. We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology to join a multidisciplinary In Vivo Cell Therapy Discovery team developing innovative viral vectors for oncology.

The successful candidate will design, lead, and interpret preclinical studies evaluating the efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of novel viral vectors. This role requires strong hands-on expertise in oncology models, animal procedures, flow cytometry, molecular analysis, and the delivery of high-quality studies in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Key responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and lead in vivo pharmacology studies aligned with project objectives.
• Establish, optimize, and evaluate oncology models, including xenograft, syngeneic, and humanized mouse models.
• Perform and oversee mouse procedures, including handling, intravenous dosing, monitoring, tissue collection, and necropsy activities, in accordance with approved protocols.
• Assess vector biodistribution, transduction, transgene expression, pharmacodynamic activity, anti-tumor efficacy, immune responses, and tolerability.
• Design and execute flow cytometry assays, including sample preparation, panel development, controls, data quality assessment, and interpretation.
• Perform or oversee nucleic acid extraction and analysis using techniques such as qPCR or digital PCR to measure viral integration and biodistribution.
• Analyze and integrate complex in vivo, cellular, and molecular data, identifying key conclusions to recommend next steps.
• Maintain accurate and complete study documentation, including protocols, experimental records, sample inventories, data analyses, and study reports.
• Communicate study plans, results, and recommendations clearly to project teams and senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team, and support the development of robust and reproducible experimental workflows.

Essential experience and qualifications

• BA/BS with at least 5 years of relevant experience or MA/MS with 3 years' experience or PhD in pharmacology, oncology, immunology, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with oncology and humanized mouse models.
• Practical experience handling mice and performing procedures such as intravenous administration, tumor monitoring, tissue collection, and necropsy.
• Proven ability to independently lead and deliver well-designed, high-quality in vivo studies.
• Experience with flow cytometry and nucleic acid extraction and analysis from primary in vivo samples.
• Strong data interpretation, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
• A strong commitment to data integrity, quality documentation, reproducibility, and animal welfare.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable experience

• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research, preferably within oncology, gene therapy, viral vectors, or translational pharmacology.
• Experience with viral vector platforms, vector biodistribution, transduction, or immunogenicity assessment.
• Knowledge of tumor immunology, immune-cell profiling, or the tumor microenvironment.
• Experience with translational biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, histopathology, or related bioanalytical techniques.
• Experience managing CROs and coordinating activities across internal and external teams.
• Experience mentoring colleagues or leading cross-functional scientific workstreams.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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 daring world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118K to $178K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.