Project Title:  Membrane Protein Nanocrystallography

Post Doc Location: AstraZeneca Mölndal, Sweden

Description of Opportunity: We have an exciting opportunity for a Ph.D. scientist to join the Discovery Sciences department, a global organisation supporting all innovative Medicines Units (iMeds) within AstraZeneca. The project Membrane Protein Nanocrystallography (NanoMem) is part of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network funded by the European Commission and is a close collaboration between ten different laboratories in Europe from both Universities and Industries. The aim is to exploit synchrotron based micro-focus X-ray beams to address challenging diffraction studies from small membrane protein crystals and the revolutionary new possibilities created by the Xray Free Electron lasers which combine ultrafast X-ray pulses with high brilliance focussing capabilities. NanoMem will exploit the new scientific opportunities created by these technical capabilities through close collaboration between structural biologists, beamline engineers, software developers and industrial partners like AstraZeneca and others.

NanoMem is an interdisciplinary training network incorporating membrane protein crystallisation, microcrystal and nanocrystal preparation and handling technologies, microfocus diffraction, software development, structure based drug design and serial femtosecond crystallography. The postdoc is expected to contribute to the overall objectives of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network NanoMem through networking, secondments and joint experiments with the other partners involved.

The role’s major responsibilities

Develop and explore approaches to prepare small well diffracting membrane protein crystals

Show strong initiative in developing ideas and bringing them forward to functional use within AstraZeneca and within the NanoMem network

Communicate results both within AstraZeneca, the NanoMem Collaboration and externally at meetings and through publications

Develop skills in and understanding of the drug discovery process

Work collaboratively with other experts within Discovery Sciences, the iMED organisation and within the NanoMem network

Minimum experience

A recent PhD in one or more of the following areas:

Biochemistry focussing on membrane proteins

Structural Biology with an interest in membrane protein

Preferred experience/requirements

Experience working with membrane protein expression and purification

Experience in crystallization/X-ray crystallography

Ability to design and carry out research independently

Strong written and oral communication skills

Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment is fundamental to this position

For this position the eligible researcher must not have lived in Sweden more than 12 months for the last three years

More Information / Main Supervisors: 

AZ: Margareta Ek, Ph.D. Associate Principal Scientist, Structure & Biophysics, Discovery Sciences. [log in to unmask]

Arjan Snijder,Ph. D. Associate Principal Scientist, Reagents and Assay Development, Discovery Sciences. [log in to unmask]

Apply online no later than November 14, 2012. To find the ad, search for job number: “MOL000000VP” at http://www.astrazeneca.se/karriar/ledig-tjnstervacancies/job-search--en Please refer to the job number and the title in all correspondence.

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Patrik Johansson

Associate Principal Scientist

AstraZeneca, R&D | Discovery Sciences

Pepparedsleden 1, 43183 Mölndal, SWEDEN

P +46 31 70 64570, F +46 31 77 63792