Postdoc Fellow Developing protein-mimetic peptide therapeutics

To modulate protein-protein interactions in cell signaling.
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 diseases. 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 an elite academic mentor explicitly aligned 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 multidisciplinary scientific environment. You'll be empowered and supported to drive the success of your project, publish papers, achieve your goals and make a difference to our patients!
About the Opportunity
The goal of this postdoctoral project is to generate conformationally stable protein-mimetic peptides capable of modulating the formation of multi-protein complexes involved in cell signaling.
Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) are important in the regulation of signaling pathways and modulation of PPI is a long-standing challenge in drug discovery. One strategy which has shown particular promise is the use of new chemical modalities such as protein-mimetic peptides. You will employ structure-based design to generate drug-like peptides as potential treatment for diseases related to malfunctioning cell signaling. The peptide-protein interactions will be characterized using X-ray crystallography and biophysical methods.
You will be working alongside Dr. Jenny Sandmark, (structural biology and biophysics) and Dr. Anaïs Noisier (peptide chemistry), at AstraZeneca Gothenburg and in collaboration with your academic advisor, Prof. David Craik (University of Queensland, Australia) who is a world-leading expert in the synthesis and structural characterization of conformationally stabilized peptides. You will be leading your own project in a multicultural environment and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
This role will give you the opportunity to work across multiple teams and departments within AstraZeneca, thus gaining broad experience of the early drug discovery process. As a Postdoctoral Scientist working on developing protein-mimetic peptide therapeutics to modulate protein-protein interactions you will develop skills in a wide variety of areas including peptide chemistry, biophysics, protein expression, crystallography and learn about the fast-expanding chemical space of new drug modalities, such as peptides, oligonucleotides and drug-conjugates.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
Required:
PhD or postdoc experience in Structural Biology, Peptide Chemistry or Biochemistry.
The candidate should have a strong background in:
X-ray crystallography
Synthesis, purification and characterization of peptides
The molecular biology and protein purification skills needed to produce high quality protein
A proven record of work, published in reputable scientific journals.

Preferably all of the above, but strong experience in one and willingness to learn new methods will suffice. Since the successful applicant is expected to perform most of the experimental work, relevant practical working experience is absolutely required.
Skills:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Curious, self-driven, enthusiastic and resilient.

Desirable:
Knowledge of techniques to conformationally stabilize peptides.
Excellent communication skills.
Prior experience of working in a multidisciplinary project.

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