Using my knowledge of microbiology, immunology and drug development I work with scientists, physicians and engineers to discover and develop medicines to prevent and treat diseases. As vice president of Microbial Sciences, I oversee microbiome discovery and early infectious disease R&D programs from concept through phase 2 clinical trials.  I also serve as the global product development lead for a long-acting antibody combination being evaluated for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Over my 20 year career I have enjoyed pushing the boundaries of science to discover and deliver life-saving medicines. My role sees me collaborate closely with both AstraZeneca staff and external partners in academia and government to address medical and scientific needs. I am fortunate to have participated in several drug approvals, have 5 patents and have authored 85 peer-reviewed articles.

I started my career as a  scientist in vaccine R&D at Merck after gaining my PhD in Microbiology from the University of Virginia and completing my fellowship at the AIDS Vaccine Program at the NIH.

I also enjoy serving on the Gaithersburg site leadership team ensuring we have state of the art laboratories and that we are a great place to work.

It's been astonishing to see how everyone at AstraZeneca has risen to the challenge to fight COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and antibody development is not for the faint of heart but clearly we are in this COVID-19 fight to the finish.

Mark T. Esser Vice President and Head of Microbial Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D

2020 AstraZeneca CEO Award

Contribution to defeating COVID-19

2020 AstraZeneca R&D Award

Scientific Breakthrough – Discovery of long-acting antibody combination for treatment of COVID-19

2010 Most notable people

Recognized by R&D Directions Magazine for contribution to vaccine development

CURRENT ROLE

Vice President and Head of Microbial Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D

2021

Contribution to defeating COVID-19 on the vaccine and antibody programs

2020

First significant advancement in the prevention of RSV disease in more than 25 years

2015

MedImmune Shark Tank Winner for CytoMop

Featured publications