Researcher within drug development

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is seeking a Researcher and Head of Unit with experience in drug development for placement at the Biochemical and Cellular Methods Unit, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna.
For more information about the activities at SciLifeLab DDD, please visit www.scilifelab.se/ and www.scilifelab.se/units/ddd-platform/.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Project description

The Drug Discovery and Development Platform at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab DDD) is a national infrastructure for academic drug development with the mission to translate academic discoveries into drug candidates for further commercial development. The operation, which has been in place for ten years, has contributed to 15 new spin-off companies, four licensing to "big pharma," and five candidates in clinical trials. The drug discovery platform has expanded to include over 50 employees at six Swedish universities who jointly support collaborative projects with external academic project owners. The "Biochemical and Cellular Assays" (BCA) unit is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Stockholm University and located at the SciLifeLab campus in Solna. We are now seeking a new Researcher and Head of Unit (HoU) for the BCA unit, which currently consists of five people. The position is permanent and located at SciLifeLab, Karolinska Institutet campus in Solna.  

Main responsibilities

As a Researcher and Head of Unit, you will be responsible for the overall planning for the development and use of molecular pharmacology, biochemical, and cellular assays to discover new small molecule and antibody-based prototype drugs. SciLifeLab DDD maintains a semi-industrial environment within the universities where validation of assays, development, and reporting of automated assays with appropriate throughput for the projects are important. Raw data is reported to web-based databases.

You will actively participate in the various programs and in the platform's management team, as well as in the practical laboratory work within the unit. You will also actively participate, interact, and communicate knowledge regarding the facility's function, analytical methods, and ensure that results are reported both orally and in writing to the platform's project groups.

The unit consists, in addition to the HoU, of four employees with extensive scientific and practical experience in drug development within industry, academia, and at SciLifeLab DDD. You will also be responsible for maintaining a creative environment through supportive leadership and effectively managing the administrative tasks assigned to the group within SciLifeLab DDD.

Another important task for you is in collaboration with other units at SciLifeLab DDD, to develop the multidisciplinary activities by introducing and developing new molecular pharmacology methods to identify, for example, multifunctional proximity-inducing molecules with pharmacological properties.

Qualification requirements

Researchers are appointed primarily for purposes of research and must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in cell, molecular biology, or biochemistry, and previous experience from work in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry or a relevant academic research environment.
• Previous experience in leadership roles (personnel and/or projects) in an academic or industrial environment with good references.
• Proven ability to combine the role of a technical expert with the ability to lead an organization and personnel.
• You are a collaborative, pragmatic person with a "can-do" attitude.
• It is important that you are highly motivated with the ability to work well in a changing interdisciplinary environment and that you have a clear focus on results and quality.
• Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence with proven ability to organize and lead personnel, flexibly manage multiple collaborative projects, and communicate with external stakeholders.   
• You are motivated to fully engage in research that is formally owned by others.   
• Practical experience in the development of biochemical methods, cell culture, and cellular assays for compound screening is a requirement.

Advantageous:

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills and experience with various plate-based assay methods and operation of robotic liquid handling equipment, as well as automation of assay methods, is highly advantageous. Experience with immunologically based techniques and experience with Excel, electronic lab notebook systems (ELN), database management, and LIMS. 

About the employment

This is a full-time, indefinite-term position with a six-month trial period.
Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date is as soon as possible. 

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Director of SciLifeLab DDD, Prof. Per Arvidsson, Per.Arvidsson@scilifelab.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.