Senior Research Scientist in Biochemical Assay Development Team

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. We win through science, it’s at the heart of our every success. That science is only possible when we all work together – we’ll always make sure you’re clear about how your role is connected to our wider mission to really show what science can do. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join the Biochemical Assay Development team in the Discovery Biology department within BioPharmaceuticals R&D, Discovery Sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Biochemical Assay Development team is responsible for the generation of novel biochemical and cellular assays to support projects in the early phases of the drug discovery pipeline. There is an exciting opportunity for you to join the group as a lab-based scientist and be a key member of the team, developing biochemical assays for compound screening and mechanism-of-action studies in support of small molecule drug discovery projects.

We are looking for a candidate with experience around development of assays with the application of mass spectrometry in particular small molecules and peptides. Leading from the bench, you will apply your expertise and a passion for driving scientific questions, combined with strong team working ethics, to drug discovery projects. This is a temporary position for 6 months with preferable starting date October 1th 2020.


Main Duties and Responsibilities:
• To develop our internal mass spectrometry capability with implementation on existing and development of novel applications for screening and mechanism of action profiling.
• To implement work-plans over agreed timelines such that the objectives of the project are met, including delivery of more than one agreed area of work in parallel where appropriate.
• To be a lab-based scientist, delivering expertise in the area of biochemical assay development; independently designing, developing and validating biochemical assays for implementation in drug discovery projects, while incorporating the views of others.
• To be an effective member of Drug Discovery Project Teams, contributing novel ideas and using judgment and knowledge where appropriate to influence the work of the project.
• To maintain an awareness of current developments in the literature and contribute to the continuous improvement process by identifying opportunities in the workplace where improvements can be made; may lead one or more aspects of scientific discipline within the team.

Essential Requirements
• Ph.D. in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or a related discipline or a MSc degree with significant relevant experience.
• Expertise in mass spectrometry.
• A practical understanding of a wide range of biochemical assay methods and technologies (not limited to mass spectrometry, for example fluorescence and luminescence techniques) as applied to a range of biological targets.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, good scientific judgement and communication skills.
• Excellent team working and networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise.


Desirable Requirements
• A practical understanding of assay optimisation, including statistical tools such as factorial experimental design, to enable generation of robust, reproducible and sensitive assays.
• Experience of working in external collaborations.

If you are interested, apply now!