Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics and Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine has flagged the Postdoc Opportunities in Cryo - Electron Tomography and in Vitro Reconstitution of Human RNA Virus Replication job as unavailable. Let’s keep looking.

Are you a master student with a passion for life science and want to advance your knowledge and understanding of respiratory diseases? Then don’t miss this opportunity to preform your thesis work together with us and take the chance to contributing to our groundbreaking research.

About us:

In Early R&I we work to improve the lives for millions of people worldwide suffering from chronic respiratory and immune-mediated diseases. In this role you’ll be part of our broader Translational Science and Experimental Medicine (TSEM) organization. Within TSEM, we are working in an open environment with a strong science focus and our work bridges basic science with clinical development. Our mission is to understand disease mechanisms at the molecular level closing the gap between bench science and bedside clinical practice.

Thesis work description:

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a degenerative, fatal lung disease in older adults where build-up of scar tissue, caused by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, prevents oxygen transfer into the blood leading to progressively impaired breathing. There is currently no cure for IPF, and treatments are only able to slow disease progression. Current in vitro models use cells isolated from patient lungs, however, the cells do not recapitulate the remodeling of collagen typically seen in patients when they are grown in 2D cell culture conditions. To mimic the complex 3D relationship between the pulmonary extra-cellular matrix ECM and lung fibroblasts, it is essential to establish 3D hydrogel models in which cells are embedded in configurations that mimic the temporal, spatial and cell type specific connections found in the in vivo lung environment. Cells embedded in 3D hydrogels are enabled in their ability to interact with each other and the surrounding ECM in all directions much like in tissue and unlike in 2D culture. We propose to develop in house such a model to better identify biological mechanisms leading to fibrosis, but also to better test the efficacy of potential anti-fibrotic drugs.

Goal 1: Study the effect of 3D Hydrogel culture on lung fibroblast phenotype. The first step will be to start culturing fibroblasts in Hydrogel and study how this affect their function with or without stimulation with the pro-fibrotic agent TGF-b. We will also assess the role of ECM stiffness in regulating lung fibroblast phenotype and function. The graduate will develop his lab skills by performing basic biology experiments such as Western Blot, qRT-PCR, microscopy along with 3D cell culture of organoids.

Goal 2: Further development of a human 3D model of IPF . We will then add cytokines identified in IPF patient lung fluid, in addition to TGFβ, before incorporating further cell types to make the model more representative of the human condition. RNA sequencing will be used to validate the model against existing patient data.

Goal 3: Develop soft skills. The student will be asked to work in a matrix environment where he will develop his ability to work in collaboration with several teams and participate in pre-TSID projects. He/she will run statistical analyses and present the data to the supervisor and the line manager, as well as the whole team occasionally, developing therefore his communication skills. He will develop his critical thinking and problem-solving skills by preparing experimental plans and troubleshooting or fine-tuning experimental protocols.

Essential Requirements:

  • Ongoing master’s studies in relevant discipline
  • Knowledge about cell culture
  • General lab skills
  • Knowledge in imaging
  • Communication and documentation skills

So, what’s next?

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!

Last application date: 2024-03-31

Why AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. In addition to being one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca is proud to provide a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and cross-boundary collaboration. Within this environment employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives, and are made to feel valued, energized and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.

Date Posted

04-mars-2024

Closing Date

30-mars-2024

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.

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Confirmed 10 hours ago. Posted 24 days ago.

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