Job Ref: PostDoc 122
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Closing date: Midnight 28th March 2015. Building fundamental mechanistic insights into productive cell uptake of short single strand oligonucleotides (ASOs)
We're currently looking for talented scientists to join our innovative academic-style postdoc programme which spans a wide range of disciplines and aligns with one of our therapeutic areas. From our centre in Cambridge, UK, you'll be in a global pharmaceutical environment, working alongside our scientists who are contributing to drug discovery and development and be part of a much larger active global post doc community. You will be encouraged to pursue your own independent research in cutting edge laboratories, present at external meetings, and publish in leading journals. You will also be offered comprehensive training programme.
What’s more, you’ll have the support of a leading academic advisor, who’ll provide you with the guidance and knowledge you need to develop your career. This is an exciting area that hasn't been explored to its full potential, making this an opportunity to make a real difference to the future of medical science.
About AstraZenecaAstraZeneca is a global, innovation-drive biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.
Single stranded oligonucleotides or antisense have the potential to inhibit previously intractable drivers of cancer. Generation 2.5 ASOs such as AZD9150 and AZD5312 have enhanced cellular potency compared to earlier generation. ASO chemistries and achieve target knockdown IC50s as low as single digit nM without the use of transfection agents. However, potency varies widely among cell lines/types and organ location, and there is limited understanding on the drivers for these differences. The focus of this postdoc will be to identify genes. This postdoc position will focus on identifying and modulating mechanisms of productive antisense uptake into cells which will enable therapeutic approaches to enhance uptake and/or select tumors most likely to respond
As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the identification of genes, it’s essential that you have:• A Ph.D. in a relevant biological science
• Experience in cell biology and molecular biology techniques
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• A proven publication record
The following skills and qualifications are desirable:• Expertise in cell imaging techniques
• Experience working with primary cell cultures
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Knowledge of extracellular matrix interactions, intracellular trafficking, and/or macrophage biology in oncology
As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the identification of genes, you will be:• Identifying candidate genes or pathways responsible for productive uptake of ASOs into hepatocytes and tumour cells
• Confirming the role of these genes/pathways using siRNA-mediated target knockdown, or small molecule inhibition (if appropriate inhibitors are available)
• Using state-of-the-art cellular imaging techniques to evaluate the ASO uptake route and confirm the effects of target modulation on intracellular trafficking
• Determining the role of extracellular matrix and whether exosomes derived from macrophages can mediate the delivery of ASOs to either hepatocytes or tumor cells
• Sharing progress with colleagues and key collaborators
Contact:To apply for this position, please click the apply link.
AstraZeneca welcomes applications from all sections of the community.An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
If you share our passion for scientific excellence, find out more at
www.jobs.astrazeneca.com
