Senior Scientist in Structural Biology and Electron Cryo-Microscopy (Cryo-EM)

Senior Scientist in Structural Biology and Electron Cryo-Microscopy (Cryo-EM)

1 x perm position and 1 x 12 month secondment/Fixed Term Contract

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Introduction to role

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated scientist with expertise in structural biology and electron cryo-microscopy to play a pivotal role in drug discovery projects within AstraZeneca R&D in Cambridge, UK. You will collaborate with structural biologists, biophysicists, protein scientists, bioscientists, and chemists on drug discovery projects across Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic diseases (CVRM), and Respiratory and Immunology (R&I). Working collaboratively in project teams, you will help identify and develop high-quality lead compounds that can progress to clinical candidate drugs. With a background and interest in Cryo-EM, you will be instrumental in advancing the use of electron microscopy within AstraZeneca and its application in drug discovery. You will support multiple projects simultaneously as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team environment.

Accountabilities

• Contribute to the development of the protein structure and biophysics field by identifying and driving improvements and innovations that advance drug discovery projects

• Perform Cryo-EM sample preparation for proteins, protein-ligand complexes, biological macromolecules, and biological macromolecule complexes

• Assist with the design of expression constructs for membrane protein targets and multi-protein complexes

• Determine EM structures and develop hypotheses for structure-based design

• Shape drug discovery projects, strategy, and planning

• Publish scientific papers in internationally recognized journals

• Supervise students and postdocs

• Work as a great teammate to ensure the delivery of quality leads for drug discovery projects

Essential Skills/Experience

• A Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related subject area

• Knowledge of all aspects of Single Particle Cryo-EM: including sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis. Experience with diverse cryo-EM software packages is critical

• Experience in structural biology: including map interpretation, model building, and detailed analysis of protein structures

• Personal drive, focus, and a passion to understand the needs of the project

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strong communication skills and experience of multidisciplinary team working are highly valued. Exposure to the drug discovery environment where structural and biophysical studies are used to drive medicinal chemistry is desirable but not essential.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to following the science to explore and innovate. Join our team as we work towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most sophisticated diseases. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration with academia and biotech, empowering us to make bold decisions and celebrate our successes and failures along the way. By integrating our diverse knowledge from various fields, we create the greatest impact on disease.

If you are passionate about science and want to be part of a team that makes a significant impact on patients' lives, apply now!