Thesis work: Invitro evaluation of hepatobiliary drug elimination

Job description
In vitro evaluation of hepatobiliary drug elimination in 3D liver cell cultures: method development and project application
Thesis project: 30 credits

Do you want to learn how to culture liver cells in 3D and apply them for the characterization of hepatic drug elimination? Then this project might be of interest for you!

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.

Introduction
3D cultures of cells have emerged as a new technology to culture cells in a more in vivo like environment for a prolonged time. At Early CVRM DMPK we are working with 3D cultures of liver cells, both as spheroids of hepatocytes only and co-cultures of hepatocytes with other liver cell types.

We offer a master thesis position (30/60 credits) in this fast-moving field, to investigate the utility of these 3D cell cultures for biliary clearance studies. Quantitative prediction of the biliary clearance of drugs in humans is essential in early drug development and preliminary data indicate functional activity of biliary efflux transporters in this in vitro model. The student joins a team regularly working with the 3D liver spheroids, applying them to address different project issues.

Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolism
Early CVRM is one of the three main therapeutic research areas within AstraZeneca which deliver candidate drugs into late-stage clinical development. Early CVRM is a global function with research units in Gaithersburg, US, Cambridge, UK and Gothenburg, Sweden; the DMPK department is based in AstraZeneca’s world-class vibrant R&D center, located in Gothenburg.  DMPK interacts with other functions in supporting Early CVRM projects all along the value chain, from target selection all the way to market launch and Life cycle management.

As thesis worker you will be part of a team at the forefront of DMPK science focusing on metabolism, disposition, and analysis of small molecule, peptide and nucleotide drug candidates. You will perform experiments and provide significant input into one of our prioritised method development areas.

Throughout the placement, the student will work with 3D cultures of primary cells and can learn different analytical techniques e.g. immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and LC-MS/MS. It is an integral part of this placement to discuss hypotheses, develop study designs and evaluate data. The work will focus on the thesis assignment, but also gives opportunity to work in the team to acquire a variety of in vitro ADME skills that are relevant to characterise the spheroids. The student will work in a collaborative environment, interacting with people from multiple disciplines within drug discovery. 

Responsibilities
 Throughout the placement, the student will work with 3D cultures of primary cells and can learn different analytical techniques e.g. immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and LC-MS/MS. It is an integral part of this placement to discuss hypotheses, develop study designs and evaluate data. 

The work will focus on the thesis assignment, but also gives opportunity to work in the team to acquire a variety of in vitro ADME skills that are relevant to characterise the spheroids. The student will work in a collaborative environment, interacting with people from multiple disciplines within drug discovery. 

Qualifications
Essential Requirements
• Education in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or Pharmacy
• A strong interest in multidisciplinary biomedical research.

Desirable Requirements
• Experience in cell cultures and aseptic techniques
• Experience with at least one of the analytical techniques applied in the project (immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and/or LC-MS/MS)

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

Deadline for application: 2020-03-31, selection and interviews will be ongoing. The position may be filled before the last day of application, therefore, apply as soon as possible.

For more information: Kerstin Karlsson kerstin.karlsson@randstad.se or Eleonor Ehrman +4673-343 41 09.

About the company
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.