Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Chemistry
Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Chemistry
The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
Competitive salary and benefits
Introduction to role
Do you have expertise in and passion for organic chemistry? Would you like to be a part of a team that is driving the discovery of therapeutic candidates for difficult-to-drug targets and apply your knowledge to impact the development of enantioenriched 3D bioisosteres in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then join the Global Oncology Chemistry department at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding and motivated synthetic organic chemist with experience in methodology development or target synthesis to join the Early Oncology chemistry team to research and develop new methodologies for the asymmetric synthesis of sulfur-containing 3D bioisosteres.
Our Postdoc will join the Global Oncology Chemistry department to collaborate with a multinational team of experienced synthetic organic chemists. You will also benefit from the opportunity to gain experience and work alongside a leading academic supervisor in the field of synthetic methodology, with a particular focus on metal catalysis and the synthesis of medicinally relevant sulfur compounds. Our Postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Thomas Davies (Senior Scientist, Oncology Chemistry) and report to Dr. Daniel O Donovan (Associate Director, Oncology Chemistry) at AstraZeneca. They will also receive academic mentorship and guidance from Prof. Michael Willis, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford.
This is a 3-year programme, with an initial 2-year period and a 1-year merit-based extension.
Accountabilities
As part of this exciting journey, we are seeking an outstanding candidate to drive the discovery of novel enantioenriched sulfur compounds for inclusion in medicinally relevant drug-like molecules. Through discussions with the industrial and academic supervisor, our Postdoc will be responsible for leading and carrying out the chemistry strategy. Our Postdoc will additionally benefit from AstraZeneca’s capabilities in high throughput experimentation (HTE) and predictive computational chemistry to accelerate reaction discovery. Appropriate supervision by AstraZeneca’s computational chemistry expert Dr. Per-Ola Norrby (Senior Principal Scientist) will be given if the successful candidate wishes to conduct their own calculations.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Identification and optimisation of novel reaction conditions and chemical transformations
Collaboration with experts in high throughput experimentation (HTE) and computational chemistry across AstraZeneca
Share their research with the chemistry community both internally and externally by speaking publicly at meetings and conferences, and writing up their work for publication in high impact journals
Essential Skills/Experience
PhD degree (or equivalent) in organic chemistry or a related field
Extensive knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry
Ability to independently drive project work towards goals
Track record of delivering novel solutions to solve complex chemistry problems
Excellent communication skills with a track record of writing up independent research
Our Postdoc programme is aimed at individuals who are either:
Within 5 years of acquiring their doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD) - PhD already awarded, or
Students, soon to acquire doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).
Desirable Skills/Experience
Experience in catalysis and/or asymmetric synthesis
Experience of or an interest in computational chemistry
At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We are on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
As a respected specialist, we will empower you to take appropriate risks, lead the project and “run with it”, along with providing you with all the support you need. You will work in an industry-leading group with a strong publication track record and be supported by Prof. Michael Willis, a leading academic supervisor.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
AZ’s Postdoc Programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca
Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca
This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.
