Job Title: mRNA Senior Scientist
Location: Cambridge, UK
Competitive Salary & Excellent Company Benefits!
Diverse Minds, Bold Disruptors, Meaningful Impact
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven BioPharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
Who we are
RNA Therapy is a team of explorers – always in pursuit of the most effective compounds against new and challenging therapeutic agents. We are pioneering new drug formats, which involves introducing the genetic code for a therapeutic biologic into the patient’s body and enabling their own tissues to produce the therapeutic biologic as required.
If you are lab-based scientist experienced in a range of molecular biology techniques to engineer the next generation mRNA biologic therapeutics for In Vivo Expressed Biologics – then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
As a RNA expert, you will be responsible for executing practical strategies aligned with RNA Therapies and disease therapy requirements, as well as driving innovation within the team through internal collaborations.
What you’ll do
- Independently define objectives, planning and execution of complex experimental work on mRNA platform development and on mRNA based therapeutic projects.
- Devise mRNA vector design as well as engineering strategies to enhance mRNA production to support ongoing projects.
- Perform general molecular biology techniques to generate mRNA vectors; in vitro transcription reactions and mRNA purification, including HPLC.
- Conduct and troubleshoot cell-based assays following transfection with mRNA to transiently produce functional recombinant protein.
- Analyze data, making detailed observations and interpretation of results.
- Presents findings at internal (intra- and inter-departmental) project team and function meetings.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication by establishing good working relationships with team and department members and others within the company.
Essential Criteria
- Ph. D degree in mRNA therapeutics, molecular biology or life sciences field.
- Experience and in-depth technical knowledge of mRNA generation and optimisation of mRNA platform for production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines.
- Ability to assess immunogenicity/reactogenicity of mRNA; expression and functionality of protein produced from mRNA.
- Experience in experimental method optimisation and troubleshooting experimental processes.
- Good communication, ability to clearly present findings, capable of developing good working relationships with individuals across organisational boundaries and experience working within a team environment.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working with, and optimisation of, a self-amplifying RNA platform.
- Bioinformatics or AI experience in the flied of mRNA therapeutic development.
- Experience in screening of mRNA therapeutics in translationally relevant cell-based assays.
- Good working knowledge of laboratory automation and sample tracking systems.
Why AstraZeneca?
Make a more meaningful impact to patients’ lives around the globe
At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.
So, what’s next?
Complete your application before July 06th.
Where can I find out more?
Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/
Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en
Date Posted
15-Jun-2026Closing Date
14-Jun-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.Skills Required
- Ph.D. in mRNA therapeutics, molecular biology or life sciences field
- In-depth technical knowledge of mRNA generation and optimisation for therapeutic proteins and vaccines
- Experience with in vitro transcription, mRNA purification and HPLC
- Practical experience with cell transfection and cell-based assays to assess expression and functionality
- Ability to assess immunogenicity/reactogenicity of mRNA and evaluate protein expression/functionality
- Experience in experimental method optimisation and troubleshooting
- Good communication skills, presentation of findings and ability to work in cross-functional teams
- Experience with self-amplifying RNA platforms
- Bioinformatics or AI experience applied to mRNA therapeutic development
- Experience in screening mRNA therapeutics in translationally relevant cell-based assays
- Working knowledge of laboratory automation and sample tracking systems
What We Do
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to excellence in the research, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. With approximately 90,000 employees across 85 countries, the company aims to unlock the power of science to deliver innovative medicines that transform patient outcomes and improve healthcare for people, society, and the planet worldwide.
