Senior Scientist - Molecular & Cell Biology Specialist

Are you an experienced and passionate scientist with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology? Do you want to expand your knowledge of the non-clinical safety assessment of the next generation therapeutic genome editing? Then we have the position for you!

AstraZeneca has an excellent reputation in this area, with a strong publication record, and we're now looking for a hardworking laboratory-based molecular and cellular biologist to join our Gene Therapy Safety group as a Senior Scientist based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Gene Therapy Safety group is part of the Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) department that supports all AstraZeneca therapy areas from early stage to late stage drug discovery.

We are significantly investing in the Lab4Life design of our R&D buildings, which will create the collaborative environment across our disciplines to drive the innovation required for 21st century pharmaceutical research. You will be working closely with specialists across AstraZeneca to leverage the existing and emerging platforms in diverse fields like oligonucleotide modalities, advanced delivery vehicles, cell therapy, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing.

What you will do:
With your broad experience in life sciences, including the biology of the cell, genetics, biotechnology and biochemistry, you will be responsible for investigating alternative ways to assess the safety of AstraZeneca's gene therapies medicines portfolio. One of your key research activity will be the development of innovative in vitro assays to define the risks deriving from the use of Adeno-Associated Virus in vivo. On this, you will be working with colleagues in immunology, genotoxicity and pharmaceutical safety and gain wider experience of the general toxicological assessment of novel biologic drugs.

You will support groundbreaking therapeutics by discovering and applying fundamental biological principles to help answer the critical questions the field faces today and strongly contribute to the safety of AstraZeneca's gene therapies. You are expected to identify and solve problems, championing science and technology innovations, and develop our strategic capabilities. As well as collaborate with leading academics, publish in high quality journals and actively contribute to scientific discipline networks. By driving innovation, helping to secure intellectual property, and contributing to presentations and publications you will develop your own and AstraZeneca's scientific position.

Essential for the role:

* PhD in life sciences (biology, genetics, biotechnology or a related subject).
* Preferably with significant post-doctoral experience with demonstrated laboratory and practical skills, and publication track record.
* Ability to independently design and execute experiments to generate high quality, relevant data and report data to support project decisions and breakthroughs.
* Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and diverse teams with effective communication skills: including presenting, manuscript preparation, influencing and relationship building.
* Ability to comply with Good Laboratory Science standards, Safety, Health and Environment standards and other relevant external regulation.
* NGS and other sequencing techniques will be an advantage.
* Knowledge of AAV biology and CRISPR genome editing is beneficial.

Why AstraZeneca?
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. Therefore, we have built space for meetings, and socializing, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations!

Does this sound like your next challenge? Welcome to apply today!

We look forward to your application, but no later than 28th February, 2021.

More information:
For more information about the position please contact hiring manager Roberto Nitsch.

Additional information:
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
AstraZeneca R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html