Thesis work, 60 credits - Pioneering Cyclic siRNA Design at AstraZeneca Gothenburg

Are you ready to shape the future of oligonucleotide therapeutics? Join the Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Targeted Delivery team at AstraZeneca Gothenburg for a one-year master’s thesis focused on developing next-generation siRNA molecules! 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Opportunity:  

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business.  

Thesis work description:   

Background: Modern siRNA medicines are transforming the treatment of chronic and rare diseases by enabling longer-lasting effects, convenient dosing schedules, and multi-gene targeting. Building on recent breakthroughs—including the approval of self-injectable siRNA drugs—AstraZeneca is exploring innovative ways to further improve their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. This thesis project centers on designing, synthesizing, and evaluating cyclic siRNA constructs to achieve enhanced drug stability and extend therapeutic action. 

What you’ll do: You will work hands-on in AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art labs, synthesizing and modifying oligonucleotides. Using novel chemical techniques, you will lock siRNA strands into single cyclic structures, test diverse linkers and conjugation strategies (GalNAc, lipids, peptides), and assess their thermal, biophysical, and gene-silencing properties. The project will also explore multi-gene silencing by combining multiple sequences in one molecule.  

Your impact: The main goal is to develop cyclic siRNA molecules that outperform traditional linear drugs in both stability and dosing, potentially enabling once-yearly injections for patients. Your work will directly advance targeting methods for chronic diseases and open new doors for supramolecular oligonucleotide design. 

Structure: 

• Duration: 2026 
• Credits: 60 

Essential Requirements: 

• Enrolled in a Master's program within Chemistry. 
• Lab experience. 
• Excellent communication in English. 

So, what’s next?

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 5th of October 2025. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.  

Date Posted

15-sep.-2025

Closing Date

05-okt.-2025

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.