Postdoctoral Fellow, DUBTACs/Molecular Glues (MGs) as a new therapeutic modality in oncology

Therapeutic Area Description

AZ's Oncology Biosciences Department within Early Oncology (EO) - Our EO function, within Oncology R&D, has a mission to apply world-leading expertise to support the discovery and development of candidate molecules that will benefit cancer patients. You will join a team of scientists working closely with the small molecule portfolio, providing bioscience expertise and experimental support to advance our understanding of small molecule mechanisms of action (MoA) and support the portfolio. We have extensive experience with tumor driver biology and pharmacology and have supported many advances with programs in the clinic. You will join a team advancing these novel approaches and have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of heterobifunctional molecules/molecular glues.

What is the Purpose of this Position?

In this role, you will have the opportunity to explore DUBTACs/MGs as a new therapeutic modality for 'intractable' targets in oncology.

What's Involved in the Role?

As a postdoc, you will spend time reading literature to learn about general heterobifunctional molecules (DUBTACs and MGs) and their application in therapeutics. You will design experiments to explore the effects of DUBTAC/MG-mediated stabilization of tumor suppressors using chemically induced proximity tagging systems, as well as analyze and report data from these experiments. You will have the opportunity to collaborate across the Biology, Chemistry, and Discovery Sciences departments at AstraZeneca, as well as with our academic and industrial partner organizations. As the project progresses, you will publish and present your work in internal and external forums.

Why Should You Apply?

One of the most exciting areas of oncology therapeutics is new therapeutic modalities that are beginning to emerge. Among these, heterobifunctional molecules, including PROTACs, are beginning to show clinical activity for 'intractable' targets in oncology. Therapeutic applications of other heterobifunctional molecules such as DUBTACs/MGs are beginning to be unveiled, and investigation into novel 'intractable' targets that may be therapeutically vulnerable is being actively pursued.

Collaborations

The postdoc candidate will be working with mentors/supervisors, other postdocs at AZ, the global small molecule bioscience team at AZ, colleagues from other functions in AZ (e.g., Discovery Sciences), and external collaborators.

Essential Skills, Experience & Behaviors

• Deep experience in cancer biology
• Cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques
• Scientific leadership and productivity as evidenced by a strong publication record

Essential Qualifications / Education

Ph.D. in any area of Biology, Oncology, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific field.

Desirable Skills, Experience & Behaviors

• Understanding of and experience working with heterobifunctional molecules/molecular glues.
• Experience with deubiquitination biology/DUBTACs
• Experience with p53 biology
• Experience with performing, analyzing, and interpreting bioinformatics data

Personal Characteristics & Behaviors

• Independent
• Self-motivated/driven
• Scientific curiosity
• Innovative
• Resilient/perseverance

Where Can I Find Out More?

• AZ's Postdoc Program: Visit Here
• Life at AstraZeneca: Visit Here
• This is what we're made of: Watch Here

Stages of Interview:

Applicants are reviewed for fit/skills and invited to each step. You may not be invited to each step.

One-way video interview Virtual interview panel with presentation

We anticipate a high volume of applicants, so do not delay; apply today!

Compensation for this role, depending on years of research experience, is a minimum of $96,000 to a maximum of $104,000, plus a short-term incentive. Some relocation supplements depend on distance and location at the employer's discretion.