Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular and Cell Biology: Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Targeted Dephosphorylation

Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular and Cell Biology: Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Targeted Dephosphorylation

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Do you have a strong expertise in molecular and cell biology, and passion for innovation?

Would you like to apply your expertise to uncover new therapeutic strategies and modalities to treat disease in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines?

Then join AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do.

Postdocs play a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and driving innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The purpose of this position is to provide early-career researchers with an opportunity to further develop their expertise and skills in the field of molecular and cellular biology.

In this position, the postdoctoral fellowship explores a new therapeutic modality—targeted dephosphorylation—to reactivate tumour suppressor proteins in cancer. You will work across molecular and cell biology, cellular engineering, and mechanistic profiling to generate evidence that proximity‑induced dephosphorylation can modulate oncogenic signalling. Working at the intersection of cancer biology, proteomics, and induced-proximity pharmacology, you will generate deep mechanistic insight and translational evidence for an emerging class of heterobifunctional, proximity inducing molecules.

This position is a joint venture between AZ’s Oncology and Discovery Sciences (DS) teams. As part of this enterprise, you will 1) join preclinical groups that apply world-leading expertise to support the identification of high-value disease targets and develop drug candidates that will be safe and efficacious in the clinic, and 2) help deliver our bold ambition of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

The project will determine whether directing phosphatases to key oncogenic targets restores their tumour suppressor activity and impacts downstream transcriptional control and cell cycle regulation. You will develop and apply induced‑proximity approaches, engineer relevant cellular models, and quantify mechanistic and functional outcomes. Insights on dephosphorylation depth, site specificity, and biological impact will inform design principles for emerging heterobifunctional molecules.

You will be jointly supervised at AZ by David McGarry (Oncology) and Pamela Lochhead (DS), which leverages David’s knowledge in developing new modalities for improved cancer therapeutics and Pamela’s wealth of expertise in dissecting disease driving signalling pathways. This position is in collaboration with Prof. Gopal Sapkota at the University of Dundee, who will provide academic mentorship and scientific expertise in this area. AstraZeneca has a strong network of postdoctoral scientists in Oncology and Discovery Sciences, and our Postdoc would be an integral part of this community.

What You’ll Do

Our postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for planning, conducting, and recording experiments. You will play a lead role in driving science forward under the guidance of the supervisors.

You will present your work in forums within Oncology and Discovery Science at AstraZeneca, and at National and International Conferences. Fostering good relationships with the partners involved (Oncology, Discovery Sciences, and the University of Dundee) is essential for this role, and this project is geared towards publishing in high-impact journals.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research, design, and execution of experiments. 

• Maintain effective communication as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Plan, write, publish, and present high-quality scientific papers.

Essential Requirements

• A PhD or equivalent in Life Sciences, and an understanding of Cancer Biology.

• Significant hands-on experience in molecular and cell biology laboratory techniques.

• Experience in generating and characterising engineered cell models.

• Strong expertise in mammalian tissue culture.

• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

• A proven record of work published in reputable scientific journals.

Our Postdoc programme is aimed at individuals with a strong publication record who are either:

• Within 4-years of obtaining their doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD) - PhD already awarded, or

• Students, soon to obtain doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with induced proximity modalities and heterobifunctional molecule concepts.

• Background in protein phosphorylation and oncogenic signalling.

• Experience with high throughput protocols.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a novel modality with the potential to impact how intractable tumour suppressors are modulated. You will:

• Lead a high‑value project at the interface of mechanistic biology and modality innovation.

• Access world‑class facilities, datasets, and multidisciplinary expertise across AZ and partners.

• Develop cross‑disciplinary skills with direct relevance to future therapeutic strategies and patient impact.

• As a respected specialist, we will empower you to take appropriate risks, along with providing you with all the support you need

AZ’s Postdoc Programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca

Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca

This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s

Date Posted

23-Feb-2026

Closing Date

09-Mar-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.