Thesis work, 60 credits – Establishing In Vitro Models of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Acute Kidney Injury for Preclinical Drug Discovery

Are you passionate about pioneering new models in kidney disease research and driving innovation in drug discovery? Join AstraZeneca’s Renal Biosciences Team for your master’s thesis project, where you’ll develop and validate advanced vitro models of mitochondrial dysfunction in acute kidney injury (AKI). 

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: 

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical condition characterized by a rapid decline in renal function, affecting millions globally and carrying high morbidity and mortality rates, often progressing to chronic kidney disease (CKD) . 
This Master's thesis project will focus on developing and validating in vitro models of mitochondrial dysfunction in Acute kidney injury (AKI) using human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. The project will involve establishing an AKI model in these cells, characterizing mitochondrial function using advanced assays such as the Seahorse XF analyzer and fluorescence microscopy, and assessing the model's responsiveness to known modulators of mitochondrial function. The ultimate goal is to create a robust and reproducible in vitro model that can be utilized for high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic compounds aimed at mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI. Understanding the pathogenesis of AKI may facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets and the development of clinical drugs, ultimately leading to reduced mortality rates. Clarifying the specific mechanisms underlying AKI can aid in the early diagnosis of the disease and the discovery of specific drugs for intervention. 
 
Upon completion of this project, the student will have gained: 

• Extensive hands-on experience in advanced mammalian cell culture techniques, including establishing and characterizing in vitro disease models. 
• Proficiency in optimizing experimental conditions for mitochondrial functional assays, including Seahorse XF analysis and fluorescence microscopy. 
• Expertise in various analytical techniques, such as microscopy, image analysis, and molecular biology methods (e.g., Western blot, qPCR). 
• A deep understanding of Acute kidney injury pathogenesis, particularly the role of mitochondrial dysfunction, and current research challenges. 
• Skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. 
• Experience in critically evaluating scientific literature and presenting research findings. 
• A strong foundation for future research in drug discovery, particularly in the context of kidney diseases and mitochondrial biology. 

Placement:   

This is an on-site position at AstraZeneca Gothenburg.  

AstraZeneca does not support with accommodations. 

Structure: 

Duration: Assignment start: August 2026 
Credits: 60 

Essential Requirements: 

• Enrolled in a Swedish University 
• Enrolled in a Master's program in biomedical sciences, molecular medicine, cell biology, or related fields. 
• Good networking and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Written documentation and oral communication skills in English. 
• Proactive problem solving and critical thinking skills. 

Desirable Requirements: 

• Experience in sterile mammalian cell culture. 
• Experience with cell biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blot, ELISA). 

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 March 31, 2026. 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

11-Mar-2026

Closing Date

31-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.