Senior Scientist positions - in vitro cellular profiling

Two positions have arisen for highly passionate Senior Scientists to join our Mechanistic and Structural Biology (MSB) function within the Discovery Sciences organization in Gothenburg, Sweden. You will apply proven molecular biology and cell biology expertise to in vitro cellular assays. Routine profiling is integrated with tailored mechanism of action studies in cellular models to build a detailed understanding of the impact of treatment by multiple drug modalities including small molecules, PROTACS and therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).

In doing so you demonstrate a passion for driving scientific questions, combined with strong team working ethics, and thrive from working in drug discovery projects. You will join a team whose remit is to support our drug discovery projects globally with early DMPK assessment, SAR profiling and detailed mechanism of action data. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment with ample learning opportunities and an expectation to publish new findings.

Be encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment. Here we are free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions.

What you will do:
These are lab-based roles focused on generating in vitro pharmacology data in support of drug discovery projects. The work includes independent troubleshooting and timely reporting of data according to agreed timelines. All work is conducted in dialog with project teams, where you are expected to present and contribute in advancing the project science, specifically in support of the Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism as well as Respiratory & Immunology disease area organisations.

For one of these roles we seek extensive mammalian cell culture experience, including the profiling of primary cells or iPSC-derived cells of significant disease relevance. Building data packages in cell models that allows for translation to patients is at the heart of this role. The other role reflects our on-going build of a platform for discovery and development of therapeutic oligonucleotides, and hence involves the application of strong molecular biology skills in the profiling of mRNA transcripts and beyond.

Essential in the roles:

Applies to both roles:

* Candidates should have a Ph.D. or a first degree and at least 4 years' experience within a relevant scientific discipline
* Excellent communication skills and an ability to operate effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment
* 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
* Proven ability in providing technical leadership and guidance to others

Specific to Therapeutic Oligonucleotides role:

* Extensive experience in the development and application of assays for quantitative measurements of mRNA transcripts in microplate format.
* Experience with the use of multiple qPCR assay formats, including molecular biology skill sets for optimal design of PCR primers.
* Demonstrated expertise in assessing mRNA transcript turnover, preferably using multiple techniques such as metabolic labeling.

Specific to Cell Model role:

* Extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques applied to physiologically relevant cellular assays.
* Documented expertise in design and execution of complex pharmacology studies to understand compound mechanism of action.
* Extensive experience with imaging and immunofluorescence assays.

Desirable in the role:

Specific to Therapeutic Oligonucleotides role:

* Previous experience working with siRNA and/or ASO knockdowns.
* Good understanding of mRNA splicing and how this affects translation to protein.
* Experience with multiplexing towards 5-10 transcripts is considered meriting.

Specific to Cell Model role:

* Compound profiling in a screening environment using microtiter plates and automation.
* Practical knowledge of several technology platforms such as flow cytometry and LC-MS.
* Experience with cells grown in 3D cultures and organoids.

Why AstraZeneca in Gothenburg?
You can ask anybody who has ever set foot here - our Gothenburg site has a vibrant culture that pulls you in! It is a mix of both local and international talent. We welcome the contribution of people from all backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life.

So, what's next? If this sounds like your next challenge - please apply today!

We look forward to your application, but please send it to us no later than January 26, 2022.

For more information about the positions please contact Fredrik Edfeldt at +46 31 7061604 or fredrik.edfeldt@astrazeneca.com (Cell Model position) and Thomas Lundbäck at +46 72 711 66 89 or thomas.lundback@astrazeneca.com (oligonucleotide profiling).

NOTE - Due to the Christmas holidays approaching quickly, the screening process may take a bit longer than usual - please bear with us and we will get back to you as soon as possible when we are back at work in January.