Thesis work: Small molecule modulation of NGF signalling

Job description
Do you want to study molecular aspects of pain signalling in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be of interest to you!


Student Location: AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden
Main Supervisor:  Helena Peilot Sjögren, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist, Bioscience, Discovery Sciences
Co-Supervisor: Tomas Åkerud, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist, Structure and Biophysics, Discovery Sciences
Thesis project: 60 credits


Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a master’s student to investigate modulation of pain signalling pathways through the nerve growth factor (NGF). The student will build and run reporter assays in cell-lines that will verify how modulatory small molecules are affecting the NGF signalling. We have intriguing preliminary data that implies that we are affecting pathways that have not previously been described in the context of NGF signalling.  

Background
Inhibition of NGF signalling by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are more efficient than opioids in relieving pain. The mAbs have, however, serious side effects in joint destruction, limiting their clinical use. We have strong reasons to believe that NGF signalling modulating small molecules will not have these side effects and the proposed work will investigate in detail how the small molecules are modulating the NGF signalling.

Responsibilities
Tasks and methodology
Transient transfection of cells
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay development and compound screening
Cellular experiments to complement the BRET results. E. g. pull down experiments followed by Western blotting or quantitative protein mass spectrometry, time-resolved cell imaging, chemotaxis and chemokinesis experiments 


Qualifications
Minimum experience
Close to graduation in successful master’s studies with excellent grades in the field of cell biology
 
Preferred experience/requirements
Cell biology
Light spectroscopy
Cell imaging and image analysis

For us, it is important that all competence and skills in the labor market are utilized. We welcome all applicants and strive for diversity.

Application
Randstad Life Sciences is cooperating with AstraZeneca in this recruitment process. We only accept applications through Randstad’s website.
 
Deadline for application: 2020-04-20, 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, consultant manager, 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.