Thesis Work, 60 Credits – Understanding the Mechanism of Drug Sequestration in Lysosomes

AstraZeneca’s Mechanistic Biology and Profiling team within Discovery Sciences is seeking a highly motivated and technically minded Master’s student for a Thesis Work, focusing on developing and applying image-based techniques to visualize and analyze the sequestration of drug molecules within lysosomes. 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Opportunity: 

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business.  

Thesis Overview:  

Lysosomal sequestration is a critical process that can significantly impact the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of drug candidates by altering their intracellular concentrations and tissue distribution. Despite its importance, current drug discovery assays do not fully address the need to evaluate the lysosomotropic behavior of drugs. 

This thesis will focus on developing and applying image-based techniques to visualize and analyze the sequestration of drug molecules within lysosomes. You will play a key role in understanding how lysosomotropicity affects drug behavior and ultimately contribute to the identification of optimal drug candidates for clinical development. 

Objectives: 

• Utilize advanced imaging techniques to study drug distribution within cells, particularly focusing on lysosomal trapping. 
• Quantify the lysosomotropicity of drug molecules and correlate these findings with their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. 
• Work alongside a global, multidisciplinary team of drug discovery experts at AstraZeneca, contributing to the development of cutting-edge therapies. 
• Your research could lead to publications in high-impact scientific journals and help shape the future of drug discovery strategy at AstraZeneca. 

Essential Requirements: 

• Ongoing Master's Studies in a relevant discipline, complemented by a degree in Biological Sciences/Bioengineering 
• Experience working within a laboratory environment 
• Technically minded with enthusiasm and aptitude for tackling unfamiliar aspects of early drug discovery 
• Proficient with aseptic mammalian cell culture 

Desirable Requirements: 

• Fluorescent microscopy 

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. 

Next Steps: 
We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 10th of November 2024. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published. 

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.