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Microbiology Phd Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... microbiology, clinical medicine (human or veterinary), computational biology, or virology, among ... Prospective applicants must have a PhD with 5+ years or a terminal master's degree with 8+ years of ...

Product Manager

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

... years, PhD and 3 years, or HS Diploma and 12 years). * Demonstrated ability to manage product ... Experience with biological products, reagents, cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology, or ...

Product Manager

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

... years, PhD and 3 years, or HS Diploma and 12 years). * Demonstrated ability to manage product ... Experience with biological products, reagents, cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Microbiology Phd information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.9K

$97.4K

$150.9K

How much do microbiology phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for microbiology phd in Reston, VA is $97,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a microbiology PhD?

A Microbiology PhD job involves conducting advanced research on microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to understand their biology, behavior, and impact on humans, animals, and the environment. Professionals in this field work in academia, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or government agencies, often focusing on developing treatments, improving public health, or advancing scientific knowledge. Responsibilities may include designing experiments, analyzing data, publishing findings, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the microbiology PhD position?

To thrive as a Microbiology PhD, you need advanced expertise in microbiological techniques, experimental design, data analysis, and a doctoral degree in microbiology or a closely related field. Experience with specialized laboratory equipment, bioinformatics tools, and certifications such as biosafety training are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills in this position. These abilities enable successful research outcomes, ensure laboratory safety, and foster productive collaboration within multidisciplinary scientific teams.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for someone with a microbiology PhD?

Professionals with a PhD in Microbiology often have diverse advancement opportunities, including moving into senior research positions, leading laboratory teams, or transitioning into roles such as Principal Investigator or Research Director. Many also pursue academic careers, teaching at the university level or securing tenure-track positions. Additionally, there are options to enter industry roles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, public health, or regulatory affairs, where leadership and project management pathways are available. Advancement typically depends on a combination of research achievements, publication record, teamwork, and demonstrated leadership skills.

Is it worth it to get a microbiology PhD?

A microbiology PhD prepares individuals for research, teaching, and specialized roles in healthcare, industry, and academia, often requiring strong laboratory skills and knowledge of microbiological techniques. While it can lead to higher-level positions and increased earning potential, it also involves significant time and financial investment, and job prospects depend on the field's demand and individual expertise.

What does a microbiology PhD do?

A microbiology PhD conducts research to study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They often work in laboratories, developing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific knowledge, diagnostics, or product development. Their work may involve using tools like microscopes, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics, and can lead to careers in academia, industry, or healthcare.

What jobs can I get with a microbiology PhD?

A microbiology PhD qualifies individuals for roles such as research scientist, microbiologist, or laboratory director in academia, government, or industry. These positions often require skills in experimental design, data analysis, and knowledge of microbiological techniques, with opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotech, food safety, and public health sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Microbiology Phd jobs in Reston, VA?

For Microbiology Phd jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microbiology Phd jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Microbiology Phd jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Microbiology Phd jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Microbiology Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Microbiology Phd job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,435 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Director, Bacterial Vaccine Discovery

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

The Director of Bacterial Vaccine Discovery in Early Infectious Disease leads efforts to discover and develop bacterial vaccines, including carbohydrate conjugate, mRNA, and protein-based approaches. The individual will lead a team of scientists in discovering and characterizing novel bacterial vaccines to build and advance the portfolio. The team will collaborate across groups within Bacterial Vaccines to identify effective vaccine candidates and fully characterize their immunogenicity and efficacy in preclinical disease models. The role also requires influencing senior internal stakeholders in Research, Bioprocess Development, and Regulatory Affairs, as well as managing external academic collaborations and contract research organizations to deliver the early vaccine portfolio.
Accountabilities
  • Lead a team of scientists to discover and characterize candidate vaccine antigens, delivering robust in vitro and in vivo research packages that support pipeline progression and regulatory interactions.

  • Serve as subject matter expert and research lead for multiple programs, presenting strategy and data to senior leaders at governance meetings.

  • Present key findings and research progress at top-tier scientific conferences.

  • Partner with Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies Translational Sciences to develop and transfer assays for characterizing immune responses in future clinical trials.

  • Oversee and maintain accountability for partnerships with third parties, including academic institutions and biotech collaborators.

  • Evaluate external science and partnering opportunities in collaboration with Business Development and the extended scientific team to expand the bacterial vaccine pipeline.

  • Engage regularly with intellectual property attorneys to define and refine IP strategy for early-stage programs.

  • Build and foster effective relationships with senior leaders across Research, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Clinical and Translational Medicine, and Global Project Teams to ensure cross-functional alignment.

  • Ensure clear and objective communication of results, associated risks, uncertainties, and limitations across all projects and teams within the function.

  • Define training and development opportunities for junior colleagues in line with best practices and scientific principles.

Qualifications
  • PhD in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 8+ years of industry experience.

  • Proven leadership experience managing a team of junior scientists (PhD and non-PhD level).

  • Strong track record in bacterial vaccine research and/or bacterial pathogenesis.

  • Demonstrated experience leading efforts to characterize immune responses and protective efficacy of vaccine antigens in small animal disease models.

  • Familiarity with functional immunological assays, such as opsonophagocytic killing assays and serum bactericidal assays, used to measure vaccine-elicited immune responses.

  • Cross-functional collaboration experience, successfully delivering research and development programs in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting.

  • Experience supporting or leading interdisciplinary vaccine discovery or development programs from early research through candidate selection.

  • Proven ability to develop and manage budgets for research programs and external partnerships.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong business analysis and consultancy capabilities.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $172,466.40 - $258,699.60. 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.
Date Posted
11-Aug-2026
Closing Date
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.

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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB