Postdoc Fellow Developing a proof-of-concept therapeutic approach

To improve metabolic function via enzyme supplementation gene therapy
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society.
About the Postdoc Programme
Bring your expertise, apply your knowledge, follow the science and make a difference!
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.
You’ll be empowered and supported to drive the success of your project, publish papers, achieve your goals and make 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 cutting edge research laboratories and organization.
About the Opportunity
Your project will focus on designing and developing a next generation gene therapy modality targeting genetic disorders using Phenylketonuria (PKU) as a proof-of concept. PKU is a rare inherited disorder that in which the amino acid phenylalanine builds up in the body, caused by loss-of function mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene.
You will explore different strategies for in vivo delivery of the PAH enzyme using genome engineering and gene delivery technologies. Treatment concepts will be interrogated and validated in human stem cell based in vitro systems to optimize their therapeutic potential.
In your daily work you will be responsible for designing and performing experiments such as cell-based in vitro assays, designing chimeric protein constructs, assessment of enzyme function in vitro and in disease relevant in vivo models. Independently, you will assess and present data to support project progression and publication.
You will be working at the cutting edge of cell and gene therapy technologies to design and develop a treatment strategy for unmet clinical need. Your scientific findings will have a significant impact on biopharmaceutical development processes and platforms that are sought at improving patient experience and convenience in using life-saving medicines. While making a significant contribution to bringing better medicines to life, you will also have the opportunity to showcase your work at prestigious scientific conference and in high impact peer-reviewed journals. Collaborating with brilliant colleagues from across AstraZeneca's groundbreaking R&D facilities, your passion and drive will accelerate the project.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
Required:
PhD in Medicine, Hematology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology
Expertise in mouse models and in vivo work, ideally with a knowledge of in vivo models relevant to hematology
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, immunodetection, etc.
Understanding of basic genetic engineering techniques
Demonstrated experience of publishing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals
Ability to work independently, take own initiatives and have positive, goal oriented and problem solving attitude
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset

Desirable:
Experience with biochemistry and enzyme activity assays
Experience in stem cell culture and differentiation
Knowledge of hematopoiesis and hands-on in vitro culture experience of hematopoietic stem cells or other relevant cell types
In vivo nucleic acid delivery and gene modification experience
Keen interest in gene and cell therapy development
Good organizational, data management and documentation skills

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