Molecular Biology Senior Scientist

Job content

Molecular Biology Senior Scientist - 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

Location: Granta Park, Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Diverse Minds, Bold Disruptors, Meaningful Impact

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 disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

The position is a joint role between Emerging Innovations and In Vivo Expressed Biologics

The Emerging Innovations Unit (EIU) within Discovery Science is an externally focused team that takes an entrepreneurial approach to delivering medicines to patients in AZ. We identify and oversee the ’incubation’ of novel technologies that could become next generation of innovative medicines or identify new patient populations that could benefit from our molecules. We have a strong entrepreneurial culture for developing our own projects and for mentoring internal and external collaborators.

In Vivo Expressed Biologics (IVEB) is a team of innovators - always in pursuit of the most effective compounds against new and challenging therapeutic agents. We are pioneering new drug formats, which involves introducing the genetic code for a therapeutic biologic into the patient’s body and enabling their own tissues to produce the therapeutic biologic as required.

In this role the jobholder will work on projects sponsored by EIU to conduct proof of concept studies in the IVEB department. With successful projects transitioning to the wider organization. Our teams are passionate about diversity and inclusion and we welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds.

If you are lab-based scientist, experienced in a range of molecular biology techniques to engineer the next generation synthetic gene circuits - then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

As a molecular biology expert, you will be responsible for designing and building vectors to deliver our ambitious plans for delivery of ligand driven synthetic gene circuits, as well as driving innovation within the department through internal and external collaborations.

What you’ll do

• Independently define objectives, lead planning and execution of complex experimental work on DNA based gene therapy projects.
• Devise DNA vector design to support gene editing projects
• Perform general molecular biology techniques to generate vectors and test them through in vitro cell-based assays
• Devise protocols for the delivery of gene circuits to mammalian cells to ensure the optimum performance of the circuit
• Analyze data, making detailed observations and interpretation of results
• Present findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team and function meetings
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication by establishing good working relationships with team and department members and others within the company

Essential Criteria

• PhD, or equivalent experience, in life sciences especially molecular biology
• Significant experience and in-depth technical knowledge of practical molecular biology, DNA vector design, and optimisation strategies
• Experience in experimental method optimisation and creative problem solving
• Excellent teamworking and communication skills
• Strong commitment to quality and best practice
• Action-orientated and flexible, to meet challenging deadlines
• High degree of scientific and personal integrity

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a matrix environment
• Good working knowledge of laboratory automation and sample tracking systems
• Knowledge of drug discovery and drug discovery related disciplines
• Experience in collaborating within and outside of immediate team

*** We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting on a rolling basis - as such we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy ahead of the stated closing date ***

AZ Cambridge

An exciting bioscience hotspot, Cambridge is home to one of AstraZeneca’s three strategic, global R&D Centres, alongside Gothenburg and Gaithersburg. Over 3,600 employees work from our various sites across Cambridge and our offices are internationally renowned for attracting high performers, including several Nobel prize winners.

Currently based at our Aaron Klug building on Granta Park, the team is excited for their pending relocation to our brand new, state-of-the-art R&D facility which was officially un-veiled by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales in November 2021.

The Discovery Centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, is designed to play a central role in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. As our largest research and development centre in the UK, it will have more than 2,000 people working across therapy areas and drug discovery and development once fully occupied.

Find out more about our Cambridge campus and the DISC, here: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-company/our-locations/cambridge.html

Why AstraZeneca?

Make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives around the globe.

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

This application period is open from Wednesday, 18th May 2022toFriday, 3rd June 2022 and we will be reviewing applications continuously.

** Interviews will be conducted, week commencing 20th June 2022 **

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/