PhD Student - Joint Position with Chalmers and AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca AB / Biomedicinjobb / Göteborg
Observera att sista ansökningsdag har passerat.


Visa alla biomedicinjobb i Göteborg, Mölndal, Partille, Kungälv, Lerum eller i hela Sverige
Visa alla jobb hos AstraZeneca AB i Göteborg, Mölndal, Södertälje, Solna, Stockholm eller i hela Sverige

We are seeking biophysical innovators for an industry/academia collaboration: join the frontier of RNA-targeted drug discovery!



Do you possess scientific expertise and a strong interest in using biophysical methods to examine RNA? Are you interested in using your skills to make a meaningful contribution and broaden the utilization of therapeutic oligonucleotides in drug projects, while also exploring new opportunities in RNA-targeted drug discovery at the interface between academia and industry? Then this opportunity might be for you!



An academia-industry collaboration

At AstraZeneca we are dedicated to advancing the development of innovative medicines for the future, with a particular focus on using oligonucleotides and related molecular conjugates to treat diseases spanning various therapy areas. We actively explore novel opportunities in RNA-targeted drug discovery to expand the possibilities for disease treatment. Within the Mechanistic and Structural Biology (MSB) division there is a strong emphasis on innovative technologies, including biophysics, crystallography, cryo-EM, enzymology, and cellular pharmacology. The Biophysics team possesses specialized knowledge in molecular biophysics techniques such as SPR, NMR, ITC, DSF, HDX-MS, nMS, and single molecule approaches. These biophysical methods are employed across diverse modalities to support the entire drug discovery process, from target validation to the identification of potential drug candidates.



The academic partner in this project is Chalmers University of Technology, with Prof. Fredrik Westerlund serving as the primary academic supervisor. Prof. Westerlund is affiliated with the Division of Chemical Biology within the Department of Life Sciences. This division comprises seven research groups that employ protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, and sophisticated biophysical techniques to tackle groundbreaking biological questions and address medical challenges pertaining to human health. Additionally, Prof. Marcus Wilhelmsson from the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, will serve as an academic co-supervisor. The PhD student involved in the project will be enrolled in a PhD school at Chalmers, where completing 60 ECTS credits of coursework is a mandatory component of the doctoral education program.



What will you do

The PhD position available is centered around laboratory-based research aimed at optimizing the development of drug therapies and improving the effectiveness of next-generation nucleic acid-based therapeutics, with a specific focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The primary objective is to apply single molecule analysis techniques to achieve these goals. Additionally, a range of complementary biophysical methods will be employed to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms involved and to advance the identification and characterization of targeting moieties for improved delivery of oligonucleotide drugs. An integral part of this position involves driving the exploration and implementation of innovative technologies that enable enhanced biophysical characterization of molecular interactions, with a particular emphasis on RNA and oligonucleotides.



Moreover, the successful candidate will be responsible for actively contributing to the continuous learning and development of biophysical capabilities in this dynamic field. This role plays a crucial part in shaping the future strategy for expanding the use of oligonucleotides and advancing RNA-targeted drug discovery.



To excel in this role, excellent social and communication skills are essential, along with a collaborative nature and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Additionally, the candidate should be capable of working independently and possess a positive, goal-oriented, and problem-solving mentality.



Required qualifications for the role:

* Possession of MSc degree (or equivalent) with a strong technical background in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
* Profound knowledge of biophysical methods employed in the characterization of RNA and oligonucleotides, including practical experience with techniques such as thermal unfolding/stability analysis, surface plasmon resonance and single-molecule methods.
* Familiarity with computer programming languages like Python, R, Matlab, or other relevant software languages is advantageous.
* Strong proficiency in both written and spoken English.



Why choose AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we embrace opportunities for change and take decisive action to bring them to fruition because we recognize that every opportunity holds the potential for significant impact. Our commitment lies in delivering life-changing medicines, and this requires an entrepreneurial spirit, the ability to identify moments of potential, and the drive to transform them into meaningful advancements. By joining our team, you become part of a transformative journey where we constantly seek new ways of working, pioneer innovative methods, and foster unexpected collaborations across diverse teams.



Does this sound like your next challenge and place to work? We look forward to your application no later than 25 August, 2023.



Project duration: 4 years starting October 2023



If you would like to know more about the position, the team or working at Chalmers/AstraZeneca, please get in touch with Fredrik Westerlund (fredrik.westerlund@chalmers.se) or Shveta Grote Bisht (shveta.grotebisht@astrazeneca.com).

Ersättning
Not Specified

Så ansöker du
Sista dag att ansöka är 2023-08-25
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan

Arbetsgivarens referens
Arbetsgivarens referens för detta jobb är "R-176807".

Omfattning
Detta är ett heltidsjobb.

Arbetsgivare
Astrazeneca AB (org.nr 556011-7482)

Arbetsplats
Astra Zeneca

Kontakt
AstraZeneca
fredrik.larsson1@astrazeneca.com

Jobbnummer
8012180

Observera att sista ansökningsdag har passerat.

Prenumerera på jobb från AstraZeneca AB

Fyll i din e-postadress för att få e-postnotifiering när det dyker upp fler lediga jobb hos AstraZeneca AB: