Postdoc Fellow: Drug Discovery

Postdoc Fellow: Methyltransferases for biocatalytic applications in drug discovery



Location: Gothenburg, Sweden



Innovate to change the world!



Do you have expertise in biocatalysis and a passion for innovation? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact sustainable drug discovery in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!



AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation 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 boarders, you'll share knowledge and combine strengths to take your skills, and our science, to the next level.



About the Postdoc Programme



We're currently looking for hardworking scientists to join our innovative academic-style Postdoc program. This position is placed at AstraZeneca's dynamic R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden, where you will be in a global pharmaceutical environment, contributing to live projects right from the beginning. You'll take part in a comprehensive training programme, including a focus on drug discovery and development, given access to our existing Postdoctoral research, and encouraged to pursue your own independent research in our ground-breaking laboratories. This an exciting and newly expanding programme spanning a range of therapeutic areas across a wide range of fields.



About the Opportunity



Part of Discovery Sciences, you will have the advantage of working within the "iLAB"; a vibrant, energetic and diverse group passionate about integrating chemical technologies and automation to challenging strategic medicinal chemistry problems. You will have the support of the UK-based enzyme engineering team and the broader biocatalysis community within AstraZeneca.



This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your skills in biocatalysis and organic chemistry in a highly creative drug discovery environment. Mentored by Professor Bernhard Hauer, University of Stuttgart and guided and coached by AstraZeneca scientists in Gothenburg, Sweden and Cambridge, UK- it is an outstanding opportunity to innovate at the interface of small molecule synthesis and chemical biology/ medicinal chemistry in an industrial setting.



The project strives to -

* Develop synthetic methodologies using novel biocatalytic systems with utility in drug and drug intermediate synthesis
* Build and develop high throughput methodologies for biocatalytic reaction screening and optimisation
* Work collaboratively with scientists from across multiple disciplines both internally and externally with the capacity to manage and perform research independently
* Communicate results both within AstraZeneca via global working groups, externally at scientific meetings and through high impact publications



Essential Education and Experience

* PhD in biocatalysis or synthetic organic chemistry
* Solid experience in biocatalysis, small-molecule analysis, purification and structural elucidation techniques
* In-depth knowledge and understanding of late stage functionalisation, particularly C-H activation chemistry
* Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
* An outstanding track record of research, proven by high impact publications in peer reviewed journals, patents and/or presentations at scientific meetings
* Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams with good collaboration and communication skills



Desirable Qualifications

* Protein engineering experience
* Interest in automation/ high-throughput experimentation/ high- throughput analysis
* Previous Post doc experience in a relevant area would be advantageous
* Interest in drug discovery and development



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



Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can't wait to hear from you.



Advert Opens: 19 October 2021

Advert Closes: 28 November 2021



Where can I find out more?



AstraZeneca's Postdoc Programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca

Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca

Sustainability at AstraZeneca: https://www.astrazeneca.com/sustainability.html