Senior Research Scientist - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Are you a curious scientist, motivated by challenging the boundaries of science and wants to grow in a dynamic, scientific environment? Would you like to be a part of something truly important in a build-up with expectations to publish new findings? If so, this might be the challenge for you!

We seek a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join the Oligonucleotide Chemistry team within the Oligonucleotide Discovery Department of our Discovery Sciences R&D organization in Gothenburg, Sweden. You will apply expert knowledge and synthesis skills in the Oligonucleotide field to expand the use of oligonucleotides and molecular conjugates thereof, in the treatment of diseases across therapy areas within AstraZeneca. In doing so you demonstrate a passion for driving scientific questions, combined with strong team working ethics, to drug discovery projects.

In the Oligo Chemistry team, we will work in close collaboration with scientists in Discovery Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, DMPK, Safety and Pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on the goal to design and develop the oligo therapeutics of the future. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment and an expectation to publish new findings.

What you'll do:
This role is a synthesis specialist role in oligonucleotide chemistry with a focus on developing oligonucleotide drugs and thereby supporting the AstraZeneca pipeline. The Senior Research Scientist work alongside other chemists in the team to support project priorities but should also be comfortable in supervising more junior scientists. The role also includes development of new building blocks and linkers as well as setting up new techniques.

You have recognized synthesis expertise within the oligonucleotide chemistry field and should also be able to apply purification and analytical sciences, propose experimental strategies, troubleshoot problems and make a significant contribution to the practical delivery of project compounds. You will synthesize and purify high quality compounds by applying cutting edge technologies and methodologies to support project progression from pre-TSID to CDID according to agreed timelines.

We will rely on you to:

* Be creative in solving a wide range of synthetic challenges and have awareness of current developments in oligonucleotide chemistry literature.
* Support oligonucleotide projects to ensure high scientific standards and quality of compounds to meet project objectives.
* Mentor junior colleagues by providing supervision and guidance in the lab and build strong collaborative relationships within the team and in the projects to ensure the smooth running of projects.
* Engage with leading internal specialists and support publication opportunities in the field of oligonucleotides.
* Show self-awareness of training needs including synthetic knowledge and leadership development.

Essential for the role:

* Candidate should have a PhD in Organic Chemistry and a post-doc is a plus.
* Detailed knowledge of synthetic chemistry related to oligonucleotides. Knowledge in the area of oligonucleotide therapeutics, design and data analysis is desirable.
* Ability to design and execute experiments autonomously.
* Evidence of experimental impact by either peer-reviewed publications or external presentations.

We also believe that the successful candidate is a highly self-motivated, scientifically critical individual that is capable of receiving and analyzing input from multiple fields and deciding on focused course of action. You have good social and communication skills, is collaborative and a strong team player - as well as encouraging with a positive, result oriented and problem-solving attitude. Excellent English is required, both spoken and written, and good organisational skills are of use.

Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together.

Does this sound like the challenge for you? Welcome to apply today!

We look forward to your application no later than 31st May, 2020.

For more information about the position please contact Anders Dahlén at +46 31 706 4842 or anders.dahlen@astrazeneca.com.