Postdoc Fellow Making safer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics

Making safer antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics by identification and molecular characterization of novel ASO:protein interactions driving toxicity
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 tackle 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
Propelled by several recent regulatory approvals, the area of therapeutic oligonucleotides is rapidly expanding with an increasing number of research collaborations between biotechs, pharma companies and academia. Several recent publications have demonstrated key roles of ASOs interacting with a range of extra- and intracellular proteins, influencing both efficacy and toxicity. This postdoc project will dissect molecular details of protein:ASO interactions, how this impacts ASO function, and will investigate tissue-specificity by which proteins affect ASO properties. You will establish and adapt a range of methodologies ranging from proteomic/genomic analysis to high resolution microscopy and functional genetics.
You will spend most of the time in the labs of AstraZeneca Gothenburg, working alongside and with AZ scientists, postdocs and PhD students. AstraZeneca is investing broadly in solving many of the remaining knowledge gaps and challenges in the design and safety assessment of ASO therapeutics. With several colleagues working on related ASO questions, an inspiring and thriving working environment has been created to push the boundaries of science through successful and impactful publications.
Between AstraZeneca and the MRC Toxicology unit, we have created a virtual lab group with regular meetings and journal clubs. The postdoc will have the opportunity to work with academics during lab visits to University of Cambridge, allowing integration with the vibrant Cambridge bioscience community. We assume that you will take active part in these interactions to learn from others and serve as an inspiration to more junior colleagues.
Essential Education and Experience
We are looking for a strong communicator who is curious and collaborative, and is able to work independently, with a result oriented, problem solving attitude.
Required:
PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology or cell biology
Hands-on wet lab experience using standard lab-based techniques of molecular cell biology with expertise in any of the following areas:
Biochemistry
Cell biology
RNA biology
Strong publication record and experience in scientific writing
Curious and collaborative team player
Fluent in spoken and written English

Desirable:
Hands-on wet lab experience of one or several of the following experimental areas:
Cellular imaging
RNA: protein interactions
Genomics
Proteomics
Chemical biology

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