Position: mRNA Screening Senior Scientist

Location: Cambridge, UK

Competitive Salary & Excellent Company 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.

Who we are

RNA Therapy is a team of explorers – 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.

If you are lab-based scientist experienced in a range of high through-put screening and molecular biology techniques to engineer the next generation mRNA biologic therapeutics – then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

As a mRNA RNA expert in up to date molecular cloning methods and biologic screening processes, you will be responsible for designing and executing practical strategies aligned with RNA Therapies and disease therapy requirements, 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 mRNA platform technology development and on mRNA based therapeutic projects.Drive high throughput screening cascades and campaigns for specific mRNA drugs in particular therapeutic settingsConduct and troubleshoot in vitro cell-based assays following transfection with mRNA to transiently produce functional recombinant proteinDevise mRNA vector design as well as engineering strategies to enhance mRNA production to support ongoing projectsPerform general molecular biology techniques to generate mRNA vectors; in vitro transcription reactionsAnalyze data, making detailed observations and interpretation of resultsPresents findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team and function meetingsDemonstrates strong interpersonal communication by establishing good working relationships with team and department members and others within the company

Essential Criteria

Bachelor/Master of Science degree in life sciences in molecular biology, mRNA biology or life sciences field. This is further complemented by a significant experience and in-depth technical knowledge of practical molecular biology, mRNA generation and screening in cell based assaysExperience in experimental method optimisation and troubleshooting experimental processesAssay development to assess expression and functionality of protein produced from mRNAGood communication, ability to clearly present findings, capable of developing good working relationships with individuals across organisational boundaries and experience working within a team environment

Desirable Criteria

Designing and production IVT vectors for production of mRNA, encoding therapeutic biologicsBioinformatics or AI experience in the field of mRNA therapeutic developmentGood working knowledge of laboratory automation and sample tracking systems

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?

Interested? Please apply by submitting your CV before the closing date.

Posting Open Date: 6th January 2025

Posting Closing Date: COB 19th January 2025

Where can to find out more?

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

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Date Posted

06-Jan-2025

Closing Date

19-Jan-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.