PhD Fellow - Gene Therapy Safety

The PhD is part of the EU funded "Gene Therapy of Rare Diseases" Doctoral Network (GetRadi)

The GetRadi Doctoral Network
Rare diseases are affecting more than 30 Mio people in the EU and are in most cases caused by genetic mutations. The only curative treatment for patients suffering from these diseases is gene therapy, but many technical problems still need to be solved before safe and affordable somatic gene therapy will be a clinical routine. Aim of the EU funded Doctoral Network "Gene Therapy of Rare Diseases" (GetRadi) is to train 10 PhD students to become exceptional experts in gene therapy of rare diseases. In their research projects, the students will aim to overcome major technical challenges that still prevent the widespread use of somatic gene therapy in the clinic. All projects are embedded in a tight and synergistic academic-industrial collaboration to develop marketable products for the application of gene therapy. This GetRadi training will allow young scientists to spearhead future research efforts in gene therapy of rare diseases.

The project
We have demonstrated that the cellular immunity to Cas9 can be reduced with a rational mutation strategy (unpublished data). Aim of this project is to engineer novel CRISPR-based editors to mitigate their potential immunogenicity thus increasing their safety profile and make them more appealing for therapeutic applications.

Why AstraZeneca?
AstraZeneca is proud to provide a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and cross-boundary collaboration. Within this environment employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives, and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

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 foster a working environment that feeds collaboration, openness and innovation. Therefore, we have created space for meetings, socializing and relaxation, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations. The unexpected ideas or thoughts that can come from a chat over something as simple as a cup of coffee or a stroll on our "walk and talk" meeting trail.

Required qualifications

* Master degree in life sciences
* Enthusiasm for research
* Expertise in cell and molecular biology
* Practical knowledge of immunology

* Good English skills, written and spoken
* Collaborative, interactive mindset

Desirable Qualifications:

* Experience with basic biochemical methods
* Expertise with NGS analysis and/or Bioinformatics tools
* Genome Editing and Gene Therapy

In addition, applicants will also be required to meet the MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria, notably:

* You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the start of your employment at AZ. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
* You must not be in possession of a doctoral degree when starting your employment.

Applicants will only be considered for the position if they fulfill both of the above eligibility criteria.

Terms of employment
The position as PhD fellow is full time and lasts 3 years. It is funded by Horizon Europe and the preferred start date will be 1st March 2023.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme.

Your application, written in English, must be submitted electronically


So, what's next? If you're curious to know more then please reach out to Roberto Nitsch at roberto.nitsch@astrazeneca.com. We welcome your application no later than 31st October 2022.