Protein Structure Scientist

Mechanistic & Structural Biology (M&SB) department

Hays Life Sciences is now looking to recruit a Protein Structure Scientist for a 10-month contract assignment starting January 2022 at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg.

Are you an enthusiastic scientist with expertise in protein crystallography? Would you like to apply your expertise at a company that are following the science and turn ideas into life changing medicines? Then you might be the one we are looking for!

This is an opportunity for a collaborative, creative and hardworking lab-based protein structure scientist to play an influential role in drug discovery projects at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden. The role is based in the Protein structure team within the Mechanistic & Structural Biology (M&SB) department based in Gothenburg, Sweden supporting biopharma drug discovery projects. In this position you will be a part of Discovery Sciences in AstraZeneca's BioPharmaceuticals organization.

The M&SB department has leading capabilities in mechanistic biology, compound profiling, biophysics, crystallography and cryo-EM. The Protein structure team has expertise in protein crystallography and is building a capability in cryo-electron microscopy. We have a highly automated lab for protein crystallography and cryo-EM sample preparation and are constantly pushing the limits for what type of molecular targets can be subjected to structural studies, ranging from small single domain proteins to membrane proteins and large multi-protein complexes. The protein structure information is used to guide design of our lead molecules and to provide key mode of action information.

Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment.

What you will do:
Working collaboratively in drug discovery projects alongside mechanistic and structural biologists, protein scientists, biopharma bioscientists and chemists with responsibility for the protein structure aspect within a drug discovery project. The role also includes you to develop crystal systems enabling iterative structure-based drug design programs, fragment-based lead discovery and mode of action studies. You will support multiple crystallization projects in parallel, work closely with other crystallographers as part of a dynamic team environment.
Other responsibilities:

* Perform crystallization screening of proteins, protein ligands complexes, biological macromolecules and biological macromolecule complexes.
* Collect X-ray data using a number of synchrotron beamlines.
* Support 'in crystal' fragment screens, HTS read out, and other hit finding strategies.
* Identify improvements and innovations in crystallization techniques.
* Work as a team player to ensure delivery of quality leads for projects.

Essential in the role:

* Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with significant proven experience, preferably in the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industry.
* Expertise in protein crystallisation and X-ray data collection.
* Significant experience in protein characterisation.
* Independent analysis and evaluation of complex data and delivery of data to agreed timelines.
* The successful candidate should also enjoy collaborating and communicating with all. As well as have the ability to operate effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment and team.

Desirable in the role:

* Experience in protein structure refinement and interpretation.
* Experience in related areas, such as protein science and biophysics.
* Experience with other techniques for structural studies (Cryo-EM, SAXS).

Why AstraZeneca in Gothenburg?
With more than 2,400 employees from over than 50 countries, our vibrant Gothenburg site is a truly inspiring place to work. Here, the history and future of scientific breakthrough come together. We believe that the diversity of our people is crucial to bringing new discoveries to life. We nurture this collaboration and openness, by creating a site that has space for meetings, socialising and relaxation - where spontaneous moments can spark innovation.

If this sounds like the job and place for your - apply today!