About the position
Are you a scientist with expertise and enthusiasm for applying Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and other biophysical tools to uncover molecular interactions and advance drug discovery? Do you want to leverage your skills to broaden the application of SPR and related techniques in impactful drug discovery projects, while growing your career within a company that values science and transforms ideas into life-changing treatments? Astra Zeneca has an exciting opportunity for you!
Astra Zeneca is committed to the development of next generation innovative medicines. To help us with this we are looking for a scientist with passion, expertise and experience to join our Protein Science, Structural Biology and Biophysics department as a lab-based Senior Scientist on a one-year contract basis within the Biophysics team. The team is based in our vibrant R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden and applies biophysical technologies across a range of different modalities to support drug discovery from target validation to drug candidate. You will be part of a team of enthusiastic scientists that deliver deep technical and scientific expertise by applying molecular biophysical methods, including SPR, NMR, ITC, DSF, HDX-MS and single molecule approaches. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and execution of research strategies for the discovery of new medicines – and be focused on the field of Biophysics.

Responsibilities
The role of Senior Scientist is a laboratory-based position supporting the characterization of molecular interactions in drug discovery, with a focus on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and other biophysical techniques. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated biophysicist with deep expertise in SPR assay development, method optimization, and screening to join our team on a one-year contract basis. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical and practical background in biophysical techniques, particularly SPR, along with experience in protein-ligand interactions. This role is crucial in advancing our research and development projects across various therapeutic areas.

You will have significant control and influence over project direction, allowing you to shape experimental strategies and outcomes. Additionally, you will have opportunities to learn new techniques and develop your leadership skills. Working in a collaborative and innovative environment, you will engage with scientists from diverse disciplines. This position offers a unique chance for professional development in an industrial setting, helping you gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for future career growth.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing advanced SPR assays, tailored to specific research needs, as well as larger screening activities. You will conduct intricate experiments aimed at understanding binding kinetics, affinity, and thermodynamics, ensuring accurate and precise data collection and reporting. Your expertise will be crucial in analyzing SPR data, interpreting results, and integrating findings with other research data to provide comprehensive insights into drug mechanisms of action. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to the integration of SPR and biophysical findings into broader research objectives. Additionally, you will keep abreast of the latest advancements in SPR and biophysics, continuously applying this knowledge to enhance our research capabilities.

You will document and present your results in both internal and external meetings, playing a vital role in driving our scientific endeavours forward. Finally, to be successful in this role we see that you have good social and communication skills, are collaborative and a strong team player. You should also be able to work independently and have a positive, goal oriented and problem-solving attitude.

Your profile

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with a focus on biophysical techniques to characterize molecular interactions, preferably SPR (or something similar system)
• Proficiency with surface-based biosensor platforms (e.g., Biacore, Nicoya, Octet, WAVEsystem) including assay development and optimization.
• Expertise in developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing biosensor assays for high-throughput screening and kinetic data analysis, with proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Biacore Insight, WAVEcontrol) and protein sample preparation to ensure high-quality samples for biophysical studies.
• Familiarity with complementary biophysical methods such as ITC, MST or DSF as well as protein expression, purification, and characterization techniques to ensure optimal sample quality for biophysical assays.
• Proven reputation gained through an excellent track record of publications and/or conference presentations.

Desirable for the role:
Worked in drug discovery environment.

About the organisation
QRIOS Life Science can offer several opportunities for skilled people with a background in biochemistry, chemical engineering or science. We work with Sweden’s leading pharmaceutical and life science companies. So whether you’re interested in research, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, environmental and quality control, sales and marketing, or just want a career change, we have the job for you.

Working as a consultant suits whoever wants to get a lot of experience in a short period of time. We offer you the chance to work with well-known brands at renowned companies where you can develop your skills. If you’re looking for a world of exciting assignments and new contacts, you’ll like being a consultant.

About Astra Zeneca:
Astra Zeneca is a major international healthcare company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies - at Astra Zeneca, we are proud to have a unique culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.