Thesis work, 45-60 credits - Structure elucidation of drug metabolites with mass spectrometry: Evaluation of alternative fragmentations techniques to collision-induced dissociation

Are you looking for an impactful thesis project that bridges cutting-edge technology with real-world pharmaceutical challenges? At AstraZeneca, we offer a unique opportunity within our Early CVRM research area, where your work will contribute directly to the development of next-generation therapeutics. Join us to explore how advanced mass spectrometry techniques can revolutionize the structural elucidation of drug metabolites, shaping the future of drug discovery. 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.

About Early CVRM:

Join Early CVRM, one of AstraZeneca's therapeutic research areas focusing on delivering candidate drugs into late-stage clinical development. Our global function perform research in Gaithersburg, US, Cambridge, UK, and Gothenburg, Sweden. The opportunity is within the DMPK Drug Design and Biotransformation team, part of the DMPK department, based at AstraZeneca’s R&D center in Gothenburg, Sweden. At DMPK, we collaborate across functions to support CVRM projects throughout the value chain—from target selection to market launch and lifecycle management. 

About the Opportunity: 

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and you will be able to build and increase your network. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more within your areas of interest and develop a broad skillset on how to share the scientific work with a broader community both in writing and oral presentation.  

Thesis work description:  

You will have the opportunity to explore how advanced LC-HRMS instruments equipped with MSn capabilities and complementary fragmentation techniques enhance the structural elucidation of drug metabolites. Identifying metabolic hotspots of molecules is key data to generate to be able to develop drug candidates with optimal ADME properties. 

The project emphasizes phase II metabolites (glucuronide and glutathione conjugates) and phase I metabolites (primarily oxidations) of various drug modalities such as PROTACs and peptides. You will learn how to use the latest mass spectrometry innovations, including electron activated dissociation (EAD) and ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD), which provide additional MS/MS fragments for enhanced structural analysis. 

Research Methods/Techniques: 

You'll work with state-of-the-art MS instruments pivotal for metabolite identification and structural elucidation within DMPK, including: 

• Synapt XS QTOF (Waters) 
• Xevo G3 QTOF (Waters) 
• Orbitrap Exploris (Thermo Fisher Scientific) 

Evaluate the potential of advanced instruments for offering richer structural insights: 

• Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid with UVPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific) 
• Zeno-ToF with EAD (Sciex) 
• TIMS-TOF Pro (Bruker) 

Structure:  

• Credits: 45-60hp 
• Start date: September 2025 

Essential Requirements: 

• Ongoing Master´s studies in relevant discipline such as analytical, medicinal or organic chemistry. 
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry. 
• Basic knowledge of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. 
• Basic knowledge of organic chemistry. 

Desirable Requirements: 

• Hands-on experience from working with mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. 
• Familiar with common biotransformation pathways, including understanding of the chemical mechanisms behind metabolite formation. 

So, what’s next?  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 1st of June 2025. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.