Team Leader – Director, Peptide & Oligonucleotide New Modalities Medicinal Chemistry

AstraZeneca is committed to the development of the next generation of innovative medicines. The New Modalities Medicinal Chemistry team is part of the department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I) at AstraZeneca R&D, Gothenburg, Sweden.

The New Modalities team works on peptides, oligonucleotides and conjugates in close collaboration with Computational Chemists, Analytical Chemists, Biologists, DMPK, Safety and Pharmaceutical scientists – all joined up by the goal to discover synthetic therapeutics of the future.

We seek to recruit a Director, New Modalities Medicinal Chemistry, in the therapeutic area of Respiratory & Immunology. This is a very exciting opportunity as it combines Medicinal Chemistry of peptides and oligonucleotides, the development of cell- and tissue targeting moieties and the development of diverse types of conjugates.  This position will be on-site in Gothenburg, Sweden and will not have the ability to be located remotely.

What you'll do?
The Director, New Modalities Medicinal Chemistry leads a team of 10 PhDs who share a strong experience in  peptides, oligonucleotides, targeting ligands and conjugation. As an experienced expert in the field of peptide and/or oligonucleotide drug discovery the successful candidate is expected to make significant contributions to early target validation, the design, optimization and delivery of peptide and oligo drug molecules for AZ´s new modality portfolio and new science around synthetic New Modalities. 

The Director, New Modalities Medicinal Chemistry will have a significant impact on portfolio projects across the R&I peptide and oligonucleotide portfolio. As part of the role he/she will lead a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative and international team and represent the department in global scientific initiatives defining strategic direction and implementing new technologies in New Modalities. The successful candidate will host MSc/PhD students and postdocs, work with multiple academic and industrial partners and publish/patent and regularly present at internal and external conferences.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include:
•    Impact on R&I´s project portfolio of synthetic New Modalities (peptides, oligonucleotides & conjugates)
•    Co-lead drug discovery projects and collaborate in crossfunctional teams
•    Generation/support of new target/project proposals
•    Advise project teams and senior leaders around peptides, oligonucleotides and conjugates
•    Lead, develop and mentor a team of 10 New Modalities PhDs
•    Initiate and lead collaborations with external and internal partners
•    Publish and present internally and externally 
•    Manage performance and career development of direct reports

Essential requirements:
•    PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Biology
•    Demonstrated expertise in design, synthesis and characterization of peptides and/or oligonucleotides – the team searches an expert in either peptides, oligonucleotides or both
•    Expertise in pharmaceutical drug discovery and development of new modalities drug candidates
•    Extensive interdisciplinary knowledge of drug discovery
•    Experience in modern analytical, biophysical, structural chemistry and computational techniques 
•    Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Why AstraZeneca?
As we know employees are critical to our current and future success, we are dedicated to being a great place to work and we offer competitive benefits and services. 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. AstraZeneca has an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration - always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

What's next?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a strong, dynamic team and support the portfolio of a major pharmaceutical company that has science at its heart whilst being based in the beautiful city of Gothenburg, Sweden.

If you are ready to make a difference - apply today, and we'll make it happen together! We would be delighted to receive your application until October 6, 2024.
For more information about the position please contact: Dr. Werngard Czechtizky, Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg at Werngard.Czechtizky@astrazeneca.com.

Where can you find out more?
https://www.astrazeneca.se/om-oss/verksamheten-i-sverige/goteborg/relocate-to-gothenburg.html 
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html 
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

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.