Thesis work: ER stress responses in primary lung cells

Job description
Modulation of ER stress responses in primary lung cells

Thesis project: 30 credits
Student location: AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
Start: January 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, arising from perturbed protein homeostasis, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) that leads to a myriad of downstream cellular events. We believe that dysregulation or defective UPR responses plays an important role in chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD or IPF. This project aims to investigate and modulate the UPR pathway activation in primary lung cells of different origin to identify the major cell types targeted by ER stress and its specific downstream UPR responses.

Responsibilities
In this placement, the student will be part of a cross-functional team within Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), building scientific knowledge around disease-causing molecular mechanisms and identification of novel targets for treatment. Specifically, the student will be working closely with a team investigating the role of ER stress in COPD and IPF.
 
Objectives and goals:
Establish protocols to induce ER stress and monitor the UPR and associated respiratory disease-relevant biological pathways in primary lung cells.
 Acquire extensive training in fundamental molecular and cell biology techniques, including qPCR, cell imaging, Western blot and other cellular/protein assays. 
Contribute scientifically to the cross-functional ER stress team.
Get insight in project work and drug discovery. 


Qualifications
Essential Requirements
Good networking skills and interpersonal skills.
Interest and curiosity in molecular biology and the experimental work behind drug discovery.
Ability to work independently.
Understanding of cell and molecular biology.
Written and oral communication skills in English.


Desirable Requirements 
Experience in cell culture.
Experience in molecular cell biology techniques eg. qPCR and Western blot.
Skilled in problem solving.


Application
Randstad Life Sciences is cooperating with AstraZeneca in this recruitment process. We only handle applications sent through Randstad’s website.

All chosen candidates need to pass a background check and an alcohol and drug test before starting the project.

Deadline for application: 2021-10-20

For more information: Veronika Knudsen veronika.knudsen@randstad.se or Kerstin Karlsson kerstin.karlsson@randstad.se

About the company
At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines and strive to continuously meet the unmet needs of patients worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

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 foster a working environment that nurtures collaboration, openness and innovation. Therefore, we have created space for meetings, socializing and relaxation, where spontaneous meetings can give birth to new innovations. The unexpected ideas or thoughts that can come from a chat over something as simple as a cup of  coffee or a stroll on our “walk and talk” meeting trail. AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.