PostDoc Fellow - Synthetic Chemist, Oligonucleotides

Are you a hardworking Synthetic Chemist with a great passion for science? Would you like to apply your expertise in synthetic chemistry to develop innovative oligonucleotide therapeutics and make an impact on drug discovery sciences? We invite you to join AstraZeneca in Gothenburg as our next PostDoc Fellow!

We are searching for an engaged and talented Synthetic Chemist to join our Oligonucleotide Chemistry Team within the Discovery Sciences department at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden as our new PostDoc. In a collaborative environment, you will get the opportunity to apply your expertise in synthetic chemistry to contribute and play a meaningful role in advancing the oligonucleotide therapeutic field. This is a temporary position of 2 years, with chance to extend +1 year of temporary employment.

We have been curious about oligonucleotides as a new modality since 2012 and our scientific interest has only grown. Therefore, we are now poised to exploit on the wealth of expertise from across our R&D units and through a new matrix organization to deliver a proprietary Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Platform in-house. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment along with an inclusive, dynamic and team focused atmosphere - with a goal to design and develop the oligonucleotide therapeutics of the future.

What you will do:
You will drive projects from the start with the focus on developing new chemistries to synthesize innovative conjugated oligonucleotide therapeutics. Your main research project will focus on exploring linker chemistry and conjugation strategy to efficiently attach oligonucleotides to ligands and understand the impact of the linker properties on oligonucleotide delivery. As an expert in synthetic chemistry, you will apply your expertise in compound purification and characterization, propose experimental strategies and troubleshoot challenges to succeed in your role. You will also be involved in oligonucleotide synthesis process in close collaboration with the team and other groups at AstraZeneca.

This position offers the opportunity not only to be creative in solving a wide range of synthetic challenges but also to learn advanced techniques and participate in biological evaluation of the synthesized compounds through active collaboration with multiple specialists across AstraZeneca functions. This strong network of professionals will help to ensure a high impact publication track record. Therefore, the position offers the ability to maintain a competitive research output.

Essential in the role:
The successful candidate should have an extensive passion for driving scientific questions, can work independently and have a result oriented, problem-solving and positive attitude. Excellent English is required, both spoken and written, and ability to operate effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment. We also believe that you enjoy teamwork, have a collaborative nature and be an encouraging colleague to all.

As well as:

* PhD in Organic Chemistry.
* Advanced and up to date knowledge in synthetic strategies, techniques and reactions.

Desirable in the role:

* Knowledge in the area of oligonucleotide therapeutics including design and synthesis.
* Scientific excellence as shown by previous work, publication list or references from scientific mentors.

Why AstraZeneca?
It's a place to think differently - to find new ways of handling and treating diseases. We are trusted and empowered to explore. Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment. If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients' lives, then there's no better place to be. To read more about our AstraZeneca site in Gothenburg, see the additional information below.

What's next? We look forward to finding out more about you. Welcome to send in your application as soon as possible but no later than 31st May, 2021.

More information:
For more information about the position please contact Annabelle Biscans, Associate Principal Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry Team at annabelle.biscans@astrazeneca.com.

Additional information:
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
About BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html