Senior Scientist – Nucleotide Bioanalysis at AstraZeneca

Senior Scientist – Nucleotide Bioanalysis at AstraZeneca
We are now looking for a senior scientist for an exciting assignment at AstraZeneca for at least 12 months.

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

The arena

Innovative Medicines, Drug Safety and Metabolism, Translational Safety, Pre-clinical Bioanalysis & Toxicokinetics (BA/TK).

The pre-clinical bioanlaysis and TK group are responsible for the analysis of small molecule drug substances in biological samples generated in support of investigational toxicology studies and Pre FTIM Rodent GLP studies.

This new role will expand the remit of the team beyond small molecules by including nucleotide bioanalysis for toxicology and PK, PK/PD studies and endcoded proteins for our modified mRNA projects.

The role

The successful candidate will be responsible for building a new DSM capability for analysis of nucleotide therapeutics and associated endcoded proteins. This will involve defining necessary procedures, developing analytical methods using ligand binding techniques (e.g. ELISA, DNA hybridisation), implementation of the methods and supporting non-clinical studies. Experience of quantitative polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry based approaches would also be advantageous but is not essential.

The senior scientist is responsible for delivering quality in vivo PK data to support the nucleotide project portfolio. He/she develops methodology for quantification of oligonucleotide as well as encoded protein in plasma or other matrices using state of the art analytical techniques and reports methodology, data and PK evaluation to the customer.

The role requires the successful applicant to take a leading role in establishing the science and capability. The senior scientist would be involved in developing the strategy for the timing of activities and types of activities. The role requires interactive, effective communication providing clear data and interpretation to projects and contribution to the DMPK scientific strategy. The role requires making judgements about complex scientific information sets, developing innovative solutions and applying comprehensive cross-functional understanding.

In this role you are responsible for overseeing efficient and timely delivery of appropriate quality data



Business: Dfind Science & Engineering

City: Göteborg

Job type: Fulltime

Deadline for applications: 2014-09-11



More information: Per Hillertz, Tel. 0733-434018 or Eleonor Ehrman, Tel. 0733-434109 Email; per.hillertz@dfind.se [ mailto:per.hillertz@dfind.se ] or eleonor.ehrman@dfind.se [ mailto:eleonor.ehrman@dfind.se ]

Education and Experience:

• Expertise in range to technical skills, specifically immunoassay/ELISA platforms (MSD, Gyros, Luminex etc), quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as mass spectrometry for analysis of large molecules (nucleotides, proteins, peptides) and other automated processing and analysis equipment would be advantageous
• Develop and set up bioanalytical methods for quantitative analysis of nucleotides (oligonucleotides, microRNA, modified mRNA) and endcoded proteins for the modified mRNA projects.
• Provide scientific leadership to scientists in BA/TK, coaching and mentoring for junior colleagues, motivational skills
• Perform problem solving studies by identification of issues and where necessary designing experiments to overcome problems
• Influence study directors to ensure appropriate samples are taken to define the exposure and kinetics of the candidate drug
• Plan and report all work to appropriate standards (Good Laboratory Standard, GLS) and keep project teams appraised of findings
• Significant experience in pharmacokinetics and reasonable understanding of PK/PD principle. Perform PK and TK calculations including interpretation of the data generated, in collaboration with colleagues in innovative medicines (e.g DMPK and Toxicology project leaders)
• Identify new approaches and technologies that would improve our ability to support projects
• Assist in the identification and evaluation of contract research organisations and coordinate method transfer as required
• Maintain awareness of relevant areas of research, drug discover/development technologies and regulatory requirements through reading scientific literature and guidelines
• Represent function on appropriate teams (e.g project or study teams) to ensure activities are conducted
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Understanding of the strategy for drug development, particularly therapeutic nucleotides


Organization/Business description:
Dfind Science & Engineering is a staffing and recruitment company with competences within science and engineering as our specialization. Our commitment and service help people and companies to find solutions to develop.