Thesis Work, 30 Credits - Development of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) for Non-Hepatic Delivery of CRISPR Reagents

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About the role

Are you interested in developing innovative delivery systems for next-generation genetic medicines? Join our research team at AstraZeneca for a thesis project focused on engineering virus-like particles (VLPs) to deliver CRISPR reagents to tissues beyond the liver. You will contribute to the development, characterization, and in vitro validation of VLP candidates, with the potential to extend the project into in vivo studies. 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: CRISPR-based medicines offer the potential to address the underlying causes of serious diseases by enabling precise genetic modification. However, the development of effective delivery systems remains a key challenge, particularly for reaching tissues beyond the liver. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising delivery vehicles because they can be engineered to deliver biological cargo to specific targeting tissues. This thesis project aims to develop VLPs as a delivery platform for CRISPR reagents to non-hepatic tissues. You will contribute to an ongoing research effort within the group and gain experience in VLP engineering, molecular and analytical characterization, and functional evaluation. What you’ll do The project will focus on the following primary objectives: • Explore and evaluate novel capsid proteins that can redirect VLP delivery from the liver to tissues of interest. • Establish and standardize reproducible protocols for VLP assembly, purification, and CRISPR cargo packaging. • Develop quality control readouts covering particle concentration, size distribution, cargo loading, and functional integrity. • Evaluate the delivery efficiency and editing activity of selected VLP candidates in relevant cell-based models. • Analyze and interpret experimental data, document results rigorously, and communicate findings through scientific presentations and written reporting. As a stretch objective, and depending on the progress of the project and your interests, you may also have the opportunity to evaluate lead candidates in appropriate mouse models. This could include assessing biodistribution and editing efficiency in non-hepatic tissues. Your impact Your work will contribute to the development of next-generation delivery technologies for CRISPR-based medicines. By identifying and characterizing VLPs with improved non-hepatic tropism, the project may help address an important challenge in the field and support the development of future genetic medicines for diseases affecting tissues beyond the liver. Placement:   This is an on-site position at AstraZeneca Gothenburg. AstraZeneca does not support with accommodations for this role Structure: • Duration: Spring 2027 • Credits: 30 Essential Requirements: • Enrolled in a master’s program in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedicine, bioengineering, or a related field. • Hands-on experience with standard molecular and cell biology techniques,

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