Senior Scientist - Oligonucleotide Cell Assay Development

Do you have expertise in cell assay development to study the effect of oligos (ASOs and siRNAs) and have a passion to use this experience to contribute to AZ business development? Do you also want to join a place where team work and a collaborative atmosphere drive us forward? If yes, this might be your next career step!

We are expanding the Oligo assay development team whose remit is to develop and validate cell-based assays and deliver data to drug projects pursuing therapeutic oligonucleotides. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Scientist to join us and be part of new discoveries. In this role, you'll play an important part in the Discovery Biology department within the Discovery Sciences organisation and you will be placed at our vibrant R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden.

We continually push the boundaries of science to deliver medicines that treat diseases across our main therapy areas. Through our integration with Alexion, this now includes expanding the limits of scientific research to better understand rare diseases and to discover new life-changing treatments for them.

What you'll do:
With your knowledge in oligonucleotide (e.g. ASO and siRNA) cell biology and assay development you will plan and conduct laboratory projects and experimental strategies, develop methods and technologies, generate, interpret and report scientific data autonomously. In your daily work we rely on you to deliver expertise in development of high quality assays for oligonucleotide screening and profiling, cell uptake and processing of oligonucleotides, diverse assay technologies like qPCR, imaging and reporter assays and data analysis coupled to biological understanding.

In addition, you will collaborate with diverse disciplines to contribute to the progression of drug projects, e.g. colleagues specialized in quantitative biology and design of oligonucleotides, chemistry, cell engineering and safety. You are expected to bring novel ideas and using your assay knowledge to influence scientific strategies.
Essential in the role:

* PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or other a related discipline, or an MSc with significant relevant experience from the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
* Expertise in mammalian cell culture, preferably with hands-on experience of diverse cell lines.
* Expertise in assay development of high-quality and robust cell-based assays to be used for screening and profiling.
* Experience in assay development with oligonucleotides (e.g. ASO and siRNA) preferably in a drug discovery setting.
* Proven knowledge of a wide range of assay technologies, e.g. qPCR, imaging and reporter assays.
* Molecular biology skills e.g. design of PCR primers and sequencing.

To be successful in the role you also need to enjoy collaboration and team work - and have the skill to interact and communicate efficiently across interfaces in a multi-disciplinary research environment and a multi-cultural setting. Moreover, you need problem-solving and critical thinking skills and a strong delivery focus.

Desirable in the role:

* Expertise in a range of molecular and cell biology techniques including transfection for gene expression knockdown and splice modulation.
* Experience in high-content imaging and image analysis.
* Experience with plate-based automation for cell assays, e.g. work with liquid handlers.
* A track record of identifying and adopting scientific and technical advances.

Why AstraZeneca?
Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment. AstraZeneca Sweden plays a pivotal role in our shared global purpose - to better patients' lives. That's why every one of us is motivated to make a difference. Join a vibrant and dynamic team with the passion and drive to push the boundaries of science.

So what's next? If this sounds like the next challenge for you, apply today!

We look forward to your application, but please send it to us no later than 27th February, 2022.

For more information about the position please contact hiring manager Anna Backmark at mailto:Anna.Backmark@astrazeneca.com.

Additional information:
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
Make a move to Global Gothenburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iqbb4aw38
About BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html