Postdoctoral Fellow – DNA Damage Response Inhibitor Sensitisation in Cancer

Postdoctoral Fellow – DNA Damage Response Inhibitor Sensitisation in Cancer

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Introduction to role:

Do you have expertise in, and passion for functional genomics and cancer research? Are you keenly interested in the DNA Damage Response (DDR) field, particularly in the areas of PARP and ATR inhibitors, CRISPR screens, biomarkers, and mechanisms of drug sensitisation? Then join the Functional Genomics team at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do!

In this exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position, you will conduct pioneering research to reveal novel mechanisms of sensitisation to DDR inhibition, pushing our research further to target a broad range of cancers, including difficult-to-treat or aggressive cancers.

Collaborate with experienced AZ interdisciplinary scientists from diverse backgrounds and an exceptional academic mentor specifically aligned to the project to generate high-quality publications.

This is a 3-year programme, with an initial 2-year period and a 1-year merit-based extension.

Accountabilities:

In this role, you will acquire an understanding of the importance of providing mechanistic insights into DDR-targeted therapy and learn its significance in drug discovery and clinical development. You will also gain knowledge about our screening technologies and have access to our ground breaking automation facilities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct in vitro experiments utilising various molecular biology and genome editing methods;

• Lead and drive the project under the supervision of cross-functional AstraZeneca teams and in collaboration with the academic expert;

• Work collaboratively with other members of the Functional Genomics and DDR biology teams, designing, analysing, interpreting, and presenting your data both internally within AZ and externally to academic audiences;

• Plan, write, publish, and present high-quality scientific papers.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD degree in Cellular or Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Cancer Biology;

• Proven experience in a variety of in vitro biochemical, cell biology, and pharmacology-related skills that can be applied to DDR and oncology research. For example, growth inhibition/toxicity assays, colony-forming assays, immunoblotting, high-content imaging, cell cycle analysis, transcriptomics, flow cytometry, CRISPR cell line generation, and DNA repair reporter assays;

• Good knowledge of cancer biology and the DNA Damage Response field;

• Highly motivated and ambitious, willing to apply the highest standards of scientific excellence and integrity;

• Strong communication skills, with fluent written and spoken English and a desire to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary setting.

Our Postdoc programme is aimed at individuals with a strong publication record who are either:

• Within 5-years of obtaining their doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD) - PhD already awarded, or

• Students soon to obtain doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience with managing large datasets and high-throughput results;

• An understanding of PARP inhibitor and ATR inhibitor biology;

• Knowledge in developing arrayed phenotypic or genetic perturbation screens such as siRNA or CRISPR – ideally at 96 to 384 well scale and with the use of liquid handling and automation;

• A strong scientific track-record, as evidenced by published or accepted papers in well-recognised peer-reviewed journals, oral and/or poster presentations at scientific meetings;

• Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills;

• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference. We have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. Our inclusive environment allows us to work seamlessly as one team, expanding our horizons by uniting the best from academia, biotechs, and the industry. We are driven by our shared belief in making an impact on patients' lives by improving patient access to healthcare globally.

If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients' lives, then apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.