Principal Scientist Metabolism Bioscience Research, CVRM

Job Title

Principal Scientist (Director level), Metabolism Bioscience Research

Gaithersburg, MD (US)

Are you an expert in the skeletal muscle biology? Would you like to apply your research expertise to accelerating innovative science and turn ideas into life changing medicines? Join us to discover future treatments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic (CVRM) diseases!

We are seeking a passionate and accomplished Principal Scientist with expertise in skeletal muscle physiology, metabolism and drug discovery to join our vibrant research community in the Metabolism Bioscience Division within Early CVRM Research and Development.

The Metabolism Bioscience Division is one of the three main therapeutic research areas within the Bioscience department that delivers candidate drugs into clinical development. The Early CVRM Bioscience department has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We are a team of professionals who are passionate about advancing science to discover and develop novel therapeutics that will benefit patients with obesity, diabetes and their co-morbidities.

• Apply your expertise in skeletal muscle physiology and metabolic diseases to drive scientific and technical innovation, identify and advance new therapeutic interventions.
• Lead multidisciplinary global project teams, as well as external collaborations, to deliver key experimental data and progress the drug project portfolio.
• Champion novel approaches to drug discovery in healthy body weight loss and body weight maintenance, facilitate scientific debate and innovation through leadership and mentorship within the CVRM Research community.
• Contribute to the evolution of research strategy within the Metabolism Bioscience division as a member of its leadership team.
• Play a lead role in the selection and validation of research targets, leading projects from discovery through to early clinical development, and serve as Bioscience lead on drug discovery projects.
• Raise the scientific profile of Early CVRM both internally and externally through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and leading collaborative initiatives.

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, neuroscience, immunology, etc.).
• 5+ years’ drug discovery or relevant experience in academia, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry following postdoctoral research.
• Deep expertise in skeletal muscle biology and physiology, including in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assay development.
• Extensive scientific knowledge of metabolic diseases and mechanisms of body weight regulation, alongside a strong track record of leading laboratory-based research.
• Experience in new model development, laboratory techniques, and enthusiasm for performing hands‑on science.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership reflected by a robust publication track record in high-impact journals, external presentations, and collaborations.
• Proven ability to manage multifaceted projects and establish research collaborations, leveraging a broad professional network.
• Track record as a project leader or bioscience lead, conducting, planning, and guiding complex scientific projects within multidisciplinary teams.

• Significant experience with in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo technologies to assess multiple target classes.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or tasks.
• Extensive network and collaboration experience within the metabolic diseases research field.

AstraZeneca is committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with scientific innovations to achieve breakthroughs. We empower our teams to explore the biology of complex diseases, making bold decisions without fear of failure. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration across academia, biotechs, and industry, leveraging diverse global knowledge for swift impact on disease. With opportunities for continuous learning and career development, AstraZeneca is where curious minds thrive as we push the boundaries of science to deliver life‑changing medicines.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

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