Postdoc Fellow Decoding cellular uptake and trafficking pathways

Decoding cellular uptake and trafficking pathways of oligonucleotides in a kidney-on-a-chip in vitro model using high content fluorescence imaging and advanced image analysis.
Innovate to change the world!
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. A place for bold disruptors shifting from academia to industry, this is where you can think differently to cut through the noise, add value, and bring fresh thinking to our teams and projects. Collaborating across functions and international borders, you’ll share knowledge and combine strengths to take your skills, and our science, to the next level.
About the Postdoc Programme
AstraZeneca’s Postdoc Programme is for self-motivated individuals looking to take on exciting, high impact projects in a collaborative and innovative environment.
Working with peers and professionals from a diverse set of backgrounds, together with a world class academic mentor aligned specifically to your project, you’ll be respected as a specialist, and encouraged to speak up. You’ll lead a novel and innovative research project at the interface of drug discovery and biopharmaceutical development in a multi-disciplinary scientific environment. Empowered and supported to drive the success of your project, publish papers, achieve your goals and make a difference to our patients!
Running alongside your research project, our postdoc training program will help you learn about drug discovery and development from industry leaders working in our innovative research laboratories and organization.
About the Opportunity
In this role, you will work with next generation therapeutics and innovative in vitro tools at one of AstraZeneca’s vibrant R&D sites, with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. You will research and discover fundamental biological principles to help answer the critical questions the field faces today. This will give you the opportunity to champion science and technology innovations and actively contribute to advance our strategic capabilities. In this varied and hands-on role, you will establish in vitro models of the kidney to reveal mechanisms underlying renal ASO handling which will ultimately impact the development of new therapeutics.
Working collaboratively with a multinational team of expert scientists from industry and academia, Simone Stahl (Associate Director in CVRM Safety) and Anna Björnson Granqvist (Principal Scientist and Project Leader in Early CVRM Bioscience) from AstraZeneca, Dr. Pedro Caetano-Pinto (Lab Lead Experimental Urology) from the University of Greifswald, and Prof. Dr. Roos Masereeuw (Scientific Director) from the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences will support you in your scientific studies as well as mentor you in your career and professional development.
We are looking for a bold scientist with a flexible, collaborative and team-oriented mentality, who will enjoy contributing to our open and positive working climate. You can independently generate creative and innovative solutions to address research questions. You thrive in multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate, influence and establish relationships.
Essential Education and Experience
PhD or relevant post-doctoral experience in cell biology, pharmacology, or a related field
Proven expertise in fluorescence high-content imaging approaches (e.g. live cell, confocal) and associated data analysis such as algorithm development and optimization
Practical experience in cell biology approaches and successful in vitro model and assay development
Proven ability to initiate and conduct a complex research project and excellent problem-solving skills
Track record in driving innovative science demonstrated by an excellent publication record

Desirable Qualifications
Curiosity about use of computational and artificial intelligence approaches in imaging analysis
Excellent skills in cellular/molecular biology techniques and cell-based assays; experience with advanced call culture methods e.g. microfluidic systems or organs-on-a-chip would be a plus
Knowledge of endocytosis pathways and approaches to experimentally investigate these
Experience with techniques for modulating the expression and/or activity of target proteins, using pharmacological or molecular biology approaches (e.g. siRNA, CRISPR/Cas9)

This is a 3-year programme. 2 years will be a Fixed Term Contract, with a 1-year extension which will be merit based.