Senior Research Scientist - In vitro Target Validation

Are you an experienced scientist in the field of stem cells and gene editing? Would you like to combine your scientific skills & drive the development of gene-editing based therapies? This might be the next challenge for you!

At AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden we have an exciting opportunity for you to join us in the Stem & Primary Cell Team in Discovery Sciences, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, as a bench-based Senior Research Scientist to be a key player in developing therapeutics to change patients' lives. You will be working alongside our stem cell scientists, disease area specialists and genome editing group.

The Stem & Primary Cell Team is a part of the broader Discovery Sciences organisation, devoting world-leading expertise to support the identification of quality targets, hits, leads and drug candidates. Inclusion and diversity is fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.

What you will do:
Using your strong knowledge and experience in stem cell biology, cell model development and CRISPR technology you will have the opportunity to work on in vitro validation aspects of a gene editing project. This includes culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and carrying out gene editing experiments to validate target hypothesis.

The role is focused on laboratory-based activities. Your biggest impact will be through significant contributions to the practical delivery to projects in compliance with AstraZeneca corporate responsibility, policies and relevant safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

* Culture and differentiate hPSC lines to skeletal and cardiac muscle.
* Culture human primary cells and various mammalian cell lines.
* Perform in vitro and ex vivo studies to investigate the effects of CRISPR-based gene editing on gene and protein expression, cellular readouts and muscle function.
* Perform molecular biology protocols in support of in-house quantitative PCR, digital PCR and NGS assays.
* Effectively collaborate within a matrixed research team to facilitate the success of projects. Maintain complete experimental records.

Essential for this role:

* PhD in Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Gene Editing or a BSc/MSc degree with significant experience
* Proven experience with PSC biology and directed-differentiation to skeletal and cardiac muscle
* Experience with the culture of multiple mammalian cell types including primary cells
* Hands-on experience with the following assay platforms: RT-qPCR, ddPCR, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, Western blots, Flow cytometry and/or cell- based functional/ potency assays.

We also believe that the successful candidate have good social and communication skills, is collaborative and a strong team player. You should be able to work independently, take own initiatives and have a positive, goal oriented and problem-solving attitude. Good organizational, data management and documentation skills are required, and you should be comfortable in presenting your results. English language is required, both spoken and in writing.

The following skills are highly desirable:

* Experience with CRISPR gene editing and NGS library prep
* Expertise with liquid handling automation technologies
* Experience of setting up cell based pharmacological assays

Why AstraZeneca in Gothenburg?
Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic science centers. We thrive in a multinational environment working cross-functionally across the globe with AstraZeneca colleagues as well as academic and industry partners. Our way of life is to develop a working environment that furthers collaboration, openness and innovation.

Working here means accelerating innovative science, being ambitious, and working together to make the impossible a reality. Together we will push the boundaries of science!

Are you already imagining yourself in this role? Go ahead and apply today!

We look forward to your application no later than 11th April, 2021.

For more information about the position please contact Bilada Bilican at bilada.bilican@astrazeneca.com or Anna Jonebring at anna.jonebring@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