Postdoc Fellow - Spatially Resolved Drug Responses in the Lung

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Researcher to develop a novel systems-wide approach for predicting the therapeutic index of respiratory disease-targeting molecules based on spatially-resolved, single-cell multiomic readouts.



Overt oxidative stress commonly manifests in patient airways, where the defensive mechanism of short-lived free radical production is skewed towards excessive ROS/NOS and loss of cell antioxidant defenses. The focus of this position will be to understand how location at the tissue level influences and reflects the balance between efficacy, adaptive responses and toxicity of compounds targeting oxidative stress in the lung. Does this sound like a rewarding scientific challenge? Read on to learn more!



You will design and execute experiments in mouse models by combining spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNAseq, mass spec imaging and bioinformatics. The labs will have access to high-throughput screening platforms, single-cell RNAseq, mass spectrometry facilities and in vivo mouse models of respiratory diseases. The research will be conducted at our site in Gothenburg, Sweden in collaboration with the SciLifeLab (KTH Royal Institute of Tecnhology) in Stockholm and you will have access to the spatial transcriptomics expertise in SciLifeLab. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with world leading experts in systems biology both within AZ and academia. You will have the opportunity to present your research at national and international meetings and publish in high quality peer-reviewed publications.



Essential Education and Experience:

* PhD with theoretical and hands-on training in life sciences (e.g. cell/molecular biology, systems biolofy, medicine, pharmacology, toxicology), or in computational sciences (e.g. bioinformatics, biomedicine) but with knowledge or experience that spans both areas
* Excellent theoretical knowledge and demonstrable hands-on expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g. ELISA, qPCR, ChIP-Seq)
* Experience in working with in vivo mouse models of disease
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, including extensive experience in writing of manuscripts and oral presentations
* A strong desire to drive your own research and impact drug discovery



Desired Qualifications:

* Experience with transcriptomics and analysis of complex transcriptome data
* Understanding of investigative toxicology, safety and risk assessment
* Track record of first-authored work published in reputable scientific journals
* Experience with programming (for example R, Python) and strong interest in applying computational approaches to the analysis of highly complex biological data



Skills and Capabilities Required:

* Experience in independently driving novel research with strong problem-solving capabilities
* Self-motivation, organization and resourcefulness
* Scientific rigor and a willingness to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
* Ability to work efficiently in teams and in collaboration with multiple stakeholders
* A social personality with a strong desire to drive personal development that contributes to an open, positive, collaborative working climate



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 Gothenburg, Sweden, with a competitive salary on offer



Advert opening date - March 12, 2020

Advert closing date - May 17, 2020



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.