Postdoctoral Fellow – Oligonucleotide Therapies, Streamlining design through omics dissection of mRNA biology Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow in RNA Biology and Next Generation Sequencing

Are you a PhD-trained molecular biologist passionate about RNA biology and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)? Join AstraZeneca's NGS & Transcriptomics function in the Centre for Genomics Research in Gothenburg to decode the RNA dynamics that determine on-target potency and limit off-target effects of oligonucleotide therapeutics. Help us turn cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines.

About the opportunity

In this postdoctoral fellow position, you will deep-dive into RNA biology, including RNA structure, translation, localization, and stability, to establish new rules of engagement for oligonucleotide therapeutics. The project is supported by the Oligonucleotide Platform, which works across AstraZeneca's therapy areas to develop efficacious and safe drugs. You will be embedded in a vibrant team working at the cutting edge of omics technologies to transform drug discovery and deliver better medicines to patients.

Project focus

You will conduct pioneering research in oligonucleotide therapeutics and RNA biology, collaborating with interdisciplinary AstraZeneca scientists and a dedicated academic mentor to dissect how RNA accessibility influences on- and off-target effects, enabling the design of therapies that are both potent and safe.

What you'll do

This is an on-site, lab-based role for an enthusiastic molecular biologist. You will:

• Apply advanced molecular biology tools to interrogate and modulate RNA accessibility, leveraging large siRNA libraries to unravel how accessibility shapes oligonucleotide activity.
• Employ techniques such as RNA structure probing (e.g., SHAPE), RNA–RNA interaction assays, wet lab–based transcriptomics (RNA-seq on Illumina platforms), and molecular cloning.
• Integrate multi-layered, high-content datasets, partnering with bioinformaticians and using basic analysis skills in R/Python to interpret omics-scale data.
• Lead and drive the project, collaborating closely with colleagues in NGS & Transcriptomics, the Oligonucleotide Platform, and cross-functional teams.
• Drive high-quality first-author publications and present your work at international conferences.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Research, design and implement innovative molecular biology workflows to study RNA accessibility in vitro and in cells.
• Lead and drive the project under supervision of a cross-functional AstraZeneca team and in collaboration with the academic expert.
• Plan, write, publish and present high-quality scientific papers.

Essential requirements

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology/biochemistry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with cell and molecular biology workflows.
• Extensive hands-on experience with wet lab–based transcriptomics and molecular cloning pipelines.
• Basic bioinformatics experience working with omics datasets; comfort using R/Python and partnering with bioinformaticians.
• Ability to independently design experiments and lead projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Postdoc programme eligibility: within 5 years of obtaining your doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD), or students soon to obtain their doctoral degree (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable requirements

• Proven knowledge of one or more of: oligonucleotide therapies, RNA structure analysis.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary research environment.

Reasons to apply

Oligonucleotide therapies are a powerful and versatile drug modality, and AstraZeneca is committed to leading this field through internal innovation and strategic collaborations. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will join an industry-leading team with a strong publication record and collaborate with a passionate academic supervisor to advance next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics. You will have access to a state-of-the-art, well-resourced laboratory equipped with the latest automation and transcriptomics platforms, enabling deep investigation of the molecular mechanisms that drive oligonucleotide therapy activity. Beyond your scientific contributions, you will have a dedicated career development plan, gain a deep understanding of the drug development process, and engage with key stakeholders across the business—shaping the future of AstraZeneca's Oligonucleotide Platform.

We're looking forward to reading your application!