Senior Research Scientist - Cell Banking in Discovery Biology

Are you a highly motivated scientist with expertise in cellular biology and a passion for drug discovery projects? Do you also feel inspired by challenging the boundaries of science and wants to grow in a dynamic, scientific environment? Perfect, AstraZeneca might have the right position for you!

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Discovery Biology department as a lab-based Senior Research Scientist in the Cell Bank SE team in Gothenburg, Sweden. In this position you will be a part of Discovery Sciences in AstraZeneca's BioPharmaceuticals organization.

The Cell Bank team supports AstraZeneca projects globally across the therapeutic areas, including respiratory and inflammation (R&I), and cardiovascular and metabolism (CVRM), through provision of quality assured mammalian cells. As part of a team within the Discovery Sciences organisation, you will be working within a vibrant scientific environment to support drug discovery. We push scientific advances in small molecules, oligonucleotides as well as other emerging therapeutic modalities, always with a view to providing medicines and treatments to improve patient care.

The Discovery Biology Department in Discovery Sciences is responsible for the generation of novel reagents and assays to support projects in the drug discovery pipeline from target discovery all the way to clinical candidate. Specifically, the successful candidate will take a lead scientific role in applying their skills to culture, characterize and quality control the AstraZeneca cellular assets.

What you'll do:
In the role as Senior Research Scientist, you will apply proven skills and enable science by acquiring, culturing and banking a large variety of mammalian cells including immortalized cell lines, primary cells, stem cells and iPS cells. The role also includes database registration, tracking and maintenance of cells, supply and shipment of cells to local and global customers. You will also:

* Utilizing expertise in cellular biology; independently culture and characterize all types of cells used in drug discovery projects, while incorporating the views of others
* Innovate in the field of cellular biology with a focus on banking and characterization of cells
* Work in partnership with colleagues across the organization
* Design and implement work-plans to agreed timelines to meet project objectives, including delivery of more than one agreed area of work in parallel
* Be an effective member of the global cell banking network across AstraZeneca, contributing novel ideas and using judgement and knowledge to influence the cell banking field

Essentials in the role:

* PhD in Cell biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with significant relevant experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
* Expert in cell culturing and banking of a wide range of adherent and suspension mammalian cells; including cell lines, primary cells, iPSCs and stem cells at plate-, flask- and multi-layer cell stack scale
* Expertise in cell quality control techniques such as mycoplasma testing, STR fingerprinting and sterility testing
* Experience in cellular biology techniques used to develop of transient and/or stable cell lines
* Strong experience in working with human biological samples
* Experience with international shipments of cells and animal-by-products
* Knowledge in using cell databases for registration and accurate tracking of cells and human biological samples
* Experience with handling of license agreements, material transfer agreements and ethical consents
* Independent analysis and evaluation of complex data and delivery of data to agreed timelines

Desirable in the role:

* Understanding of cellular assay methods and technologies used for characterization of cells
* Knowledge of a range of cell biology techniques, to include cloning, transfection methods, and immortalization of cells
* Experience in isolation of primary cells from tissue
* Understanding of molecular biology and in design of DNA constructs
* Publication records in peer-reviewed journals preferably in the field of cell banking and characterization

To be successful we also believe you are a highly motivated scientist with a passion to make a difference for patients all over the world. Along with this, we see you as a person who enjoys collaboration and team working, who holds networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise. This goes hand in hand with your problem-solving skills, strong delivery focus and communication skills.

If this sounds like the position for you, apply today! We look forward to your application no later than, 17th June 2020.

For further details around this position you are welcome to contact the recruiting manager Linda Roth at email: linda.roth(@)astrazeneca.com.

Additional information about Gothenburg - please visit:
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/