Thesis work: PROTACs assay development at AstraZeneca

Job description
Master student project on PROTACs assay development at AstraZeneca, 60 credits
 
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 
We have an attractive opening for a master student to join our In vitro Biochemical Assays team, for developing high throughput assays for studying PROTAC-mediated protein degradation. PROTACs (Proteolysis targeting chimera) have emerged as an important new modality in drug discovery with the potential to deliver the next generation of medcines. We are interested to explore novel in vitro assays for understanding the mechanism of PROTAC-mediated protein degradation. 
 
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. Our Discovery Sciences team operates from truly state-of-the-art centre in Sweden. You’ll work with some of the most knowledgeable technological experts in the industry, all collaborating on high-profile drug discovery projects. We’re also early adopters of new technologies to support innovation, including CRISPR, genome editing techniques, PROTACs, transcriptomics and next-generation sequencing.

Responsibilities
On a daily basis you will work in the In vitro Biochemical Assays team with colleges/experts working on developing high throughput biochemical assays using state-of-the-art technologies to support drug discovery projects. You will be developing a project integrated in our current research activities benefiting from daily support from an experienced supervisor. 
 
In this project you will learn about the new concept of PROTAC (Proteolysis targeting chimera) modality of medicine, and have the opportunity to explore world-leading science and develop different in vitro high throughput assays for studying the mechanism of PROTAC-mediated protein degradation. During this period you will gain extensive experience in developing high throughput in vitro  assays to study the mechanism of PROTACs. You will gain practical independency in techniques/skills such as experimental design, cell culturing, Western blotting, advanced assay technologies such as TR-FRET, NanoBBRET and Nano-Glo assays, high throughput assay development, assay validation tools, and thesis writng. You will be independently conducting laboratory work, analysing the data collected and organizing it into scientific presentations to your peers, and you will have the opportunity to actively and critically participate in the development of the project. 

Qualifications
Essential
A bachelor in biological sciences with a strong cell biology or biochemical focus.
Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, combined with the ability to work collaboratively across boundaries and problem solve in the absence of complete information.
Excellent communication skills in English (speaking, presenting and writing).

Desirable
Basic knowledge around handling mammalian cell culture
Experience working in a biochemical laboratory

 
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.

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
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.