Sr Scientist Oligo Assay Development

We are looking for a motivated and engaged Senior Scientists to join our Oligo Cell Assay Development team at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg for a 8 months fixed term contract (maternity replacement). As a Senior Scientist in oligo cellular assay development, you will use your knowledge of cells and assay technologies to develop state-of-the-art cell-based assays for screening and profiling of potential therapeutic oligos such as antisense oligonucleotides or siRNA, with the aim to identify lead molecules. You will contribute to the progression of drug projects by bringing novel ideas and scientific strategy. You will work within Discovery Sciences, part of AstraZeneca’s BioPharmaceuticals organisation, with a focus on scientific advances in drug discovery across therapeutic areas including, respiratory and inflammation (R&I), cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM) and rare disease (Alexion).

About the position
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a lab-based scientist to develop cell assays for discovery of novel oligonucleotide-based therapies. The assays you develop will be used in projects in all phases of AstraZeneca’s drug discovery pipeline. You will work closely with our colleagues in the Cell engineering and Cell banking teams, screening scientists in the oligo profiling team, and the rest of the AstraZeneca therapeutic oligo platform.
We believe that our new colleague is a highly motivated scientist with a keen interest in technological and scientific advances. Along with this we see you as a person who enjoys collaboration, who holds networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across functions and disciplines. This goes hand in hand with your problem-solving skills, great goal focus and enthusiasm for science.
You will be strongly encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment. Here, we are free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions, and make bold decisions.

Your profile
Essential requirements:
- PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Cell biology or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with significant relevant experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Highly skilled in cellular biology techniques applied to develop cell-based assays.
- Extensive experience in the development and application of assays for quantitative measurements of RNA transcripts.
- Experience with therapeutic oligonucleotides (e.g. ASOs or siRNAs).
- Experienced in working with many and diverse cell models.
- First-rate analysis and decision-making skills, coupled with a tenacity to see decisions through, even in situations of ambiguity.

Desirable in the role:
- Expertise in a range of cell biology techniques, including cloning, transfection methods, and gene expression knock-down (RNAi or other).
- Experience in the design, development and validation of cellular assays for compound screening and /or profiling.
- Cellular imaging and image analysis experience.
- Experience with automation for cell assays.


About the organisation
This is a consultant assignment at AstraZeneca in Göteborg from November 2024 until mid of July 2025. During this period you will be hired by QRIOS.

Working as a consultant suits whoever wants to get a lot of experience in a short period of time. We offer you the chance to work with well-known brands at renowned companies where you can develop your skills. If you’re looking for a world of exciting assignments and new contacts, you’ll like being a consultant.

About Astra Zeneca:
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies - at AstraZeneca, we are proud to have a unique culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.