Molecular Biology/NGS Lab Automation specialist

Are you an experienced automation specialist with leading expertise in the application of automation to molecular biology and Next Generation Sequencing? Do you wish to apply this knowledge in a role that is connected to our wider mission to show what science can do? If yes, we might have the role for you!

We seek a highly engaged Molecular Biology/NGS Lab Automation specialist to join the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) & Transcriptomics team at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden. You will contribute with your expertise in applying automation/liquid handling to the automation of manual NGS methods and procedures.

This is a rare opportunity to join the Translational Genomics Department within our Global Discovery Sciences function, where we apply cutting edge NGS/transcriptomic technologies, Precise genome editing in vitro and in vivo functional genomics model systems and cell therapy expertise to the discovery and development of novel therapies. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment with ample learning opportunities and an expectation to publish new findings. There's no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

What you will do:
This role for a leading automation specialist in the NGS/molecular biology lab area, is a hands-on lab-based role working with our laboratory automation to develop and apply protocols that automate the many currently manual lab based processes we run in the NGS laboratory, especially focused on high throughput sequencing library generation, novel NGS methodologies and nucleic acid extractions, working with a range of pre-clinical and clinically derived input materials.

Our team is a collaborative group and you will engage in the supervision and mentorship of other scientists, ensuring that methods run expertly and accurately, developing and guiding the set-up of new techniques. Included in the role is also to nurture strong collaborative relationships with the project investigators, key partners, and data scientists to ensure the smooth running of projects.

Essential for the role:

* Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific field of Biology and/or engineering.
* At least 2-3 years hands on expertise of developing processes and applying automation to NGS/molecular biology methodologies.
* Hands-on expertise with high throughput automation /robotics from e.g. Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton, SPT Labtech, Agilent, HighRes .
* Expertise in developing applications/writing methods for these instruments (via their control engineering applications/software solutions, scripting, coding as required).
* Sample tracking by LIMS integration.

Highly desirable for this role:

* Hands on lab-based experience of a broad range of Next Generation Sequencing /Transcriptomics technologies that can include RNA-Seq, DNA-Seq, single cell sequencing, DNA & RNA extraction from tissues and cells.
* Current expertise in developing applications for the automation of these NGS techniques.
* Experience with integrating automation processes on different instruments with each other.
* Proficiency with visual basic, Python and JavaScript

Why AstraZeneca in Gothenburg?
Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic science centers. We thrive in a multinational environment working cross-functionally across the globe with AstraZeneca colleagues as well as academic and industry partners. Our way of life is to develop a working environment that furthers collaboration, openness and innovation. Therefore, we have built space for meetings, socializing and relaxation, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations.

Does this sound like the next challenge for you? If so, you are welcome to join us at AstraZeneca!

We look forward to get to know you better and we need your application no later than 16th January, 2022.

For more information about the position please contact Graham Belfield at +46 708 808733 or Graham.Belfield@astrazeneca.com.

Additional information
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
Make a move to Global Gothenburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iqbb4aw38
About BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html

NOTE - Due to the Christmas holidays approaching quickly, the screening process may take a bit longer than usual - please bear with us and we will get back to you as soon as possible when we are back at work in January.