This is what you will do: The Exploratory Biology group is seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific leader with a strategic role to lead projects and overseethe development of state-of-the-art cellular models that are relevant to rare bone diseases. The individual in this position will lead activities that will be crucial for theunderstanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases. Cellular assays utilizing primary cells as well as cell lines, including h-iPSC will be used for new target discovery & validation, support of preclinical project activities and subsequent establishment of causal relationships to specific indications. The candidate will collaborate with other functional areas as well as lead drug discovery projects, external collaborations and identification of new technologies to expand and advance thein vitrotoolbox assays in the Exploratory Biology group. The candidate will also be actively involved in broader collaborative applications of cellular, molecular and phenotypic screens for the identification of new targets, in collaboration with other functions at Alexion and AstraZeneca. You will be responsible for: Establishment and execution of research strategies for the identification of new targets and the understanding of mechanisms of rare bone diseases Designing research plans and executing activities to support drug discovery projects. Defining short and long-term objectives for the development of therapies for rare bone diseases Leading preclinical projects in rare bone disease indications by management of hypothesis-driven and scientifically sound research to identify treatments for patients suffering from rare diseases Development and continuous improvement of the cellular assay toolbox using primary human cells from patient donors and healthy controls as well as from animal disease models Understanding bone biology and pathology as well as relevant cellular systems and their application during the drug discovery process in its entirety Together with colleagues from Translational Research, design and analyze experiments using patient samples to identify functional readouts and biomarkers that will lead to advanced characterization and monitoring of disease as well as adequate patient stratification Contributing to the selection of appropriate treatment modalities in order to address patient needs in the most effective fashion Analyzing and synthesize data, write reports and present to the team and company leadership Leading and mentoring a group of scientists and provide guidance and support in the design and execution of experiments Attracting talent and establish a culture of scientific innovation and rigor Ensuring that all team activities are conducted in accordance with the AstraZeneca values and standards You will need to have: Deep understanding of the pathobiology of bone diseases Proven expertise in developing complex disease-relevant cellular assays for human bone disease, using primary human and animal cells as well as cell lines, including iPSCs Experience in designing sophisticated screens and interpreting data from omics analysis of patient-derived samples to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and the identification of new targets Broad experience in dissecting and characterizing pathobiological pathways that drive disease Strong leadership skills with demonstrated excellence in leading and managing projects and laboratory scientists. Demonstrated ability to develop staff and provide insight and guidance Excellent written and verbal skills and strong interpersonal and presentation skills Ph.D. (or equivalent) & minimum of 10 years related experience (may include post-doc experience) The duties of this role will be split between office-based and lab-based. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging. In addition, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE. Employees will engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours; position may require occasional on-site weekend work. In addition, employee in this role must be able, with or without an accommodation to: pass a medical evaluation; wear a respirator while maintaining a tight-fitting seal to the face. We would prefer for you to have: Previous experience in pharma industry is preferrable, including management of drug discovery programs In vivoexperience with transgenic animal models for bone disease is desirable Experience with the biology of muscle or connective tissue is a plus LI-DI1 LI-HYBRID J-18808-Ljbffr
