Position: mRNA Screening Senior Scientist Location: Cambridge, UK Competitive Salary & Excellent Company Benefits Diverse Minds, Bold Disruptors, Meaningful Impact AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven BioPharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Who we are RNA Therapy is a team of explorers – always in pursuit of the most effective compounds against new and challenging therapeutic agents. We are pioneering new drug formats, which involves introducing the genetic code for a therapeutic biologic into the patient’s body and enabling their own tissues to produce the therapeutic biologic as required. If you are lab-based scientist experienced in a range of high through-put screening and molecular biology techniques to engineer the next generation mRNA biologic therapeutics – then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. As a mRNA RNA expert in up to date molecular cloning methods and biologic screening processes, you will be responsible for designing and executing practical strategies aligned with RNA Therapies and disease therapy requirements, as well as driving innovation within the department through internal and external collaborations. What you’ll do Independently define objectives, lead planning and execution of complex experimental work on mRNA platform technology development and on mRNA based therapeutic projects. Drive high throughput screening cascades and campaigns for specific mRNA drugs in particular therapeutic settings Conduct and troubleshoot in vitro cell-based assays following transfection with mRNA to transiently produce functional recombinant protein Devise mRNA vector design as well as engineering strategies to enhance mRNA production to support ongoing projects Perform general molecular biology techniques to generate mRNA vectors; in vitro transcription reactions Analyze data, making detailed observations and interpretation of results Presents findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team and function meetings Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication by establishing good working relationships with team and department members and others within the company Essential Criteria Bachelor/Master of Science degree in life sciences in molecular biology, mRNA biology or life sciences field. This is further complemented by a significant experience and in-depth technical knowledge of practical molecular biology, mRNA generation and screening in cell based assays Experience in experimental method optimisation and troubleshooting experimental processes Assay development to assess expression and functionality of protein produced from mRNA Good communication, ability to clearly present findings, capable of developing good working relationships with individuals across organisational boundaries and experience working within a team environment Desirable Criteria Designing and production IVT vectors for production of mRNA, encoding therapeutic biologics Bioinformatics or AI experience in the field of mRNA therapeutic development Good working knowledge of laboratory automation and sample tracking systems Why AstraZeneca? Make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives around the globe At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. So, what’s next? Interested? Please apply by submitting your CV before the closing date. Posting Open Date: 6th January 2025 Posting Closing Date: COB 19th January 2025 Where can to find out more? Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/ Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hlen Date Posted 06-Jan-2025 Closing Date 19-Jan-2025 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.