Thesis work, 60 credits - Advancing Temporal Transcriptomics through Nascent RNA Profiling

Understanding the dynamics of gene expression is key for uncovering transcriptional hierarchies in drug discovery. Traditional high-throughput transcriptomic methods efficiently measure steady-state RNA—they, however, lack true temporal sensitivity. 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising 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:   

This thesis project aims to bridge that gap by integrating nascent RNA profiling via metabolic labeling into current high-throughput transcriptomics workflows. By pulsing cells with 4-thiouridine (4sU) at defined intervals and applying streamlined chemical enrichment of newly synthesized RNA, our approach aims to provide  direct measurement of primary transcriptional changes across multiple time points. This dynamic method enables a clear distinction between nascent and pre-existing RNA, allowing for precise benchmarking of gene induction and repression kinetics following perturbations. 

A unique aspect of nascent transcriptomics is its ability to capture rapidly degraded transcripts—such as enhancer RNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)—which represent a new class of drug targets and are challenging to detect via conventional RNA-sequencing. 

Objectives: 

• In-house development of a bulk nascent-RNA sequencing workflow 
• Benchmarking the new method against in-house well-established high-throughput transcriptomics techniques for detection of direct transcriptional changes 

Structure:

• Assignment start: January 2026 
• Credits: 60 

Essential Requirements: 

Enrolled in a Master's program focused on Molecular biology, or related areas. 

Understanding of next-generation sequencing (NGS) principles, technologies, and workflows 

Practical background in molecular biology techniques—particularly RNA extraction, purification, quantification, and NGS library preparation 

Solid grasp of transcription, gene expression regulation, and familiarity with the biological insights newly synthesized RNA profiling can provide 

Ambition to expand skills in bioinformatics and data analysis 

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 22nd 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

09-okt.-2025

Closing Date

22-okt.-2025

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