Are you ready to make a significant impact in the field of lung chronic diseases? We are seeking a Senior Scientist to drive the direction of our lab-based research. This role will predominantly involve working with human in vitro systems and primary and disease tissue-derived cells. If you have a background in human lung chronic diseases and translational approaches to understand basic biological mechanisms in disease, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Accountabilities:

As a Senior Scientist, you will focus your research on characterizing novel biology pathways in lung chronic diseases to aid target validation and drug projects. You will be based in Cambridge within AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborating with scientists from a variety of functional teams. You will have the opportunity to mentor junior scientists and publish your work in high impact journals. Encouragement and support will be provided to help you develop specialist knowledge and skills.

Essential Skills/Experience:

- PhD and Postdoc/s focused on understanding biology in lung chronic diseases.
- Extensive expertise in airway epithelial in vitro culture (2D epithelial models, air liquid interface (ALI), Co- culture with immune cells, organoids, PCLS).
- Processing of human tissue samples (eg. Nasal, bronchial and small airway epithelial cells).
- Functional in vitro assays (co-culture experiments with immune cells including neutrophils, MSD multiplex cytokines, screening of compounds).
- Strong hands-on skills in basic biochemical and molecular techniques including quantification of mRNA (qPCR) and protein expression; ELISA, Western blot, Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry.
- Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team to conduct a high-level research project.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to critically analyse data sets.
- Proven ability to run collaborative efforts and use external resources to find the most effective solutions to deliver high-quality science, translatable to human disease.
- Excellent publication record (project is expected to yield publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals) and the ability to apply current scientific literature to projects.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

- PhD with industry experience in airway chronic lung diseases or Postdoc with extensive experience with airway diseases with special focus in bronchiectasis.
- Experience in single cell RNAseq wet lab and basic analysis.
- Experience in CRISPR genome editing technologies.
- Effective contributing to collaborative projects involving cross-disciplinary and global teams.
- Experience with mentoring students at the undergraduate and Ph.D. level.  
- Scientific creativity and ability to drive own research ideas to a successful conclusion, demonstrated by strong publication record or project progression.
- Drive for constant personal development and increasing skill base.

At AstraZeneca's Biopharmaceuticals R&D division, we are unlocking the power of what science can do. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference, fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. If you are driven by curiosity and courage, inspired by the possibility of doing things that have never been done before, and thrive on experimentation, this is the place for you!

Ready to explore and innovate in our dynamic environment? Apply now and join us in our mission to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines!

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.