Postdoc Fellow - Photobiocatalysis for Sustainable Synthesis

About the Opportunity:

Is an Industry Postdoc in your future? Well, this could be what you're looking for!

The combination of photo- and biocatalysis has enormous potential in asymmetric and sustainable drug and intermediate synthesis. This role offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art drug discovery environment developing future synthetic technologies in an expanding biocatalysis group.

In the current role you will have an excellent opportunity to broaden your skills in both photo- and biocatalysis, as well as organic chemistry, in a highly creative drug discovery environment. The postdoctoral scientist will be guided and coached by scientists at AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden, and in addition will have the opportunity to collaborate and be mentored by Prof. Todd Hyster, Princeton University, USA (https://www.hysterlab.com/). This is a unique opportunity to combine and exploit both catalysis disciplines at the interface of small molecule synthesis and chemical biology/medicinal chemistry in an industrial setting.



The Postdoctoral fellow will be based in Hit Discovery, part of Discovery Sciences in Gothenburg/Sweden. In addition, the successful candidate will have the advantage to be working within the "iLAB", a vibrant and multicultural group focused on integrating chemical technologies and automation to challenging strategic medicinal chemistry problems.

* Development of asymmetric synthesis methodologies using novel catalytic systems with utility in drug and drug intermediate synthesis and bioconjugation chemistry.
* Build and develop high-throughput methodologies for photo-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, analysis, purification and structural elucidation techniques.
* An in-depth knowledge and understanding in late stage functionalization reactions, focusing on C-H activation catalysis.
* 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
* Photoredox catalysis experience
* Interest in automation/High Throughput Experimentation
* Previous Post doc experience in a relevant area would be advantageous.
* Interest in drug discovery and development



Skills and Capabilities required:

* The ability and experience to independently design and execute experiments and to interpret results.
* Strive towards mutually agreed goals in an efficient, safe and scientifically sound manner.
* Generate and test new hypotheses.
* Share expertise and ideas openly and to demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness.
* Presenting results internally and at scientific conferences and to publish scientific papers in high quality, peer-reviewed journals



This is a 3-year programme. 2 years will be a Fixed Term Contract, with a 1 year extension which will be merit based. The role will be based in our Gothenburg, Sweden location, with a competitive salary on offer



Advert opening date - December 24, 2020

Advert closing date - Jan 2, 2021



About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business 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. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.