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Vaccine Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Scientist - Vaccine Syneos Health is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate unique clinical, medical affairs ...

R&D Senior Scientist

Omaha, NE · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Lead and independently drive multiple veterinary vaccine research and development programs from concept through regulatory filing data package completion. * Serve as scientific lead for one or more ...

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Vaccine Scientist information

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How much do vaccine scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for vaccine scientist in the United States is $40.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vaccine scientist?

Vaccine scientists are professionals who research, develop, and test vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. They typically have backgrounds in immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related life sciences. Their work involves identifying disease targets, designing vaccine candidates, conducting laboratory experiments, and overseeing clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. Vaccine scientists play a critical role in public health by helping to control outbreaks and improve immunity on a global scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vaccine scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vaccine Scientist, you need a strong background in immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, statistical analysis software, and regulatory standards like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the rigorous development, testing, and approval of safe and effective vaccines that protect public health.

What are some common challenges faced by vaccine scientists during the development process?

Vaccine scientists often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring the safety and efficacy of new vaccines, and adapting to rapidly evolving pathogens. Additionally, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams—such as clinical researchers, regulatory specialists, and manufacturing experts—is essential to address technical hurdles and bring vaccines from concept to market. Balancing the need for rapid development with thorough testing and documentation can be demanding, but it offers valuable experience and growth opportunities in biopharmaceutical research.

What is the difference between Vaccine Scientist vs Microbiologist?

AspectVaccine ScientistMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in microbiology, immunology, or related fields; often requires research experienceBachelor's or higher in microbiology, biology, or related fields; research experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, government agenciesResearch labs, healthcare facilities, environmental agencies, academia
Industry UsagePrimarily in vaccine development, immunology research, public healthBroadly in healthcare, environmental, food safety, and research sectors

Vaccine Scientists focus specifically on developing and testing vaccines, often working in immunology and public health sectors. Microbiologists have a broader scope, studying microorganisms in various environments and applications. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and research skills, Vaccine Scientists specialize in vaccine-related research, whereas Microbiologists work across diverse microbiology fields.

More about Vaccine Scientist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Vaccine Scientist jobs?

The top employers for Vaccine Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Vaccine Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vaccine Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Vaccine Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,062 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Infectious Disease In Vivo Cancer Vaccine Scientist

AstraZeneca GmbH

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$92 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description

HereatAstraZenecayou’llhave 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 worldhealth, andhelp fight and cure disease. As aScientistin the Virology and Vaccines Discovery groupintheearlyInfectious Diseasetherapeutic areabasedinGaithersburg, MD,you’llplay a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.

TheVirology and Vaccines Discoverygroup atAstraZenecaisdiscoveringand developing biologics and vaccines targeting key viral pathogens, including respiratoryand chronicviruses.Weareconsistentlypushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.Our deepexpertiseinvaccines and immunologyenables our ability to advancenovel therapeutic approachesand technologiesto prevent and treat infectious disease.Wehaveanindustry-leadingpipelineandoffer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family.

Currently, we areseekinga highly motivated and broadly skilled bench scientist within vivotechnicaland immunologyexpertiseanda track recordof scientific achievement to join the Virology and Vaccine Discovery group at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD. Thescientist will be a key member of a team focused on developing next-generationcancervaccinesthrough the drug discovery process. The position requires a strong interest invivarium andlaboratory bench worktodriveprojects forward.

AstraZenecahas a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talent.

Major responsibilities
  • Design, manage,and conduct in vivo rodent studies to support the development ofcancervaccines targetinghosttumorantigens andendogenous retroviruses
  • Performimmunizations, tumor implantations,andnecropsies, collect and process tissues and blood products for downstream immunological assays
  • Conduct in vitro immunological assays to support the development of vaccines, including flow cytometry, ELISpot, and ELISA
  • Design, execute and interpret results from animal studies to characterize biologic therapies directed againsttumor antigens aspart of vaccine antigen discovery efforts
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization (e.g.protein engineering, bioinformatics, pathology, and translational medicine) to drive projects towards successful completion
Requirements/ Qualifications
  • B.S. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related scientific discipline with2+ years of experience or
  • M.S. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related scientific discipline
Specific skills

Broad experiencedesiredinoncology,immunology, and vaccinology

  • Advanced knowledge ofanimal handling techniques, including intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous,and intravenous immunizations,andeuthanasia
  • Advanced knowledge of tumorharvesting andother tissueprocessing,i.e.lymph nodesandspleen
  • Experience with mouse tumor modeldevelopmentisstronglydesired
  • Knowledgeof flow cytometrysample acquisition and data analysisisstronglydesired
  • Experience with automation is desired
  • Ability to multitask and prioritizeamongnumerousprojects
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills together with evidence of having used these tosupport problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
  • Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while planning and meeting timelines
  • Proventrack recordof success in your research and experience preparing written scientificreports (e.g.manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g.slides, posters)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
Job complexity

Must be able to understand,conductand interpret results of technically challenging experiments with supervision.

Supervision

Ability to work independently as well as part of team is expected.

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/ieswhere the role is advertised.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $92,252 to $130,378.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.

Date Posted 07-ago-2026

Closing Date 13-ago-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.

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