Senior Research Scientist - Mechanistic Biology & Profiling

Mechanistic Biology & Profiling - 5d DMTA

Hays Specialist Recruitment is now looking to recruit a Senior Research Scientist to join the Mechanistic Biology & Profiling team for 5-month contract assignment at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg.

At AstraZeneca we win through science, it's at the heart of our every success. That science is only possible when we work together - we'll always make sure you're clear about how your role is connected to our wider mission to show what science can do.

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically curious scientist to join Mechanistic Biology & Profiling as a Senior Research Scientist. You will have the opportunity to utilize your scientific capabilities to contribute to the progression of key drug discovery programs in a highly collaborative environment. The position will be located at our vibrant R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden. You will apply proven biochemistry and cell biology expertise for profiling of the effects of compound treatment in in vitro biochemical and cellular assays.

In this position, you will join a department whose remit is to support our BioPharmaceuticals drug discovery projects globally with early DMPK assessment, SAR profiling and detailed mechanism of action data. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment and strong team working ethics. Mechanistic Biology & Profiling (MBP) is a part of Discovery Sciences - a multidisciplinary department which drives early drug discovery across AstraZeneca's global Research and Development portfolio.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a lab-based role focused on generating in vitro pharmacology data within a 5 day turn-around time, to support drug discovery projects globally. The delivery of frequent high-quality data is critical for the chemistry optimization process and key to drive the progression of projects. You will be an experienced lab-based scientist, able to interact across a broad range of therapeutic projects and global initiatives within Discovery Sciences. The scientist will, together with the team, be responsible for running several biochemical and cell-based assays using a wide range of techniques, as well as analyzing and reporting complex data within short timelines. Liquid handling automation and various software tools are used in the screening process and problem-solving/ optimization is required on a daily basis. You will also be expected to drive technical innovation, including the identification and development of innovative processes and workflows to deliver high quality data efficiently.

Essential Requirements:

* Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with significant proven experience, preferably in the Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industry
* Extensive experience in biochemical and cellular biology techniques, including qPCR, applied to physiologically relevant cellular assays.
* Excellent communication and collaborative skills and an ability to operate effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment and team
* Independent analysis and evaluation of complex data and delivery of data to agreed timelines
* First-rate decision-making skills, coupled with tenacity to see decisions through, even in situations of ambiguity
* Scientific visibility and leadership through project contributions and external publications

Desirable Experiences and Abilities:

* Compound profiling in a screening environment using microtiter plates and automation
* Expertise in the design, development and validation of biochemical/cellular assays for compound profiling
* Practical knowledge of several technology platforms including Imaging and LC-MS
* Experience with additional technologies for quantifying levels and turn-over of nucleic acids in cells
* Proven ability in providing technical leadership and guidance to others
* Track record of identifying and adopting scientific and technical advances
* Excellent problem-solving skills not limited to own area of expertise