mRNA Senior Scientist

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/

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Date Posted

15-Jun-2026

Closing Date

14-Jun-2026

Our 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.

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.