AstraZeneca seeks next wave of therapeutic innovation with 2023 R&D Postdoctoral Challenge

AstraZeneca seeks next wave of therapeutic innovation with 2023 R&D Postdoctoral Challenge

(IN BRIEF) AstraZeneca has launched the 2023 R&D Postdoctoral Challenge, which invites final-year MD and/or PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world to submit their own research proposals. The initiative is designed to promote diversity of thought and drive research opportunities globally. Successful candidates will compete for a fully funded postdoctoral research position with AstraZeneca for two years, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities, in-house expertise, and mentoring support. Proposals will be reviewed based on scientific merit, and finalists will be decided later in the year. The R&D Postdoctoral Challenge is part of AstraZeneca’s Early Talent programmes, which aim to encourage diversity of thought and nurture the next generation of science leaders.

(PRESS RELEASE) CAMBRIDGE, 10-Mar-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has announced the launch of the 2023 R&D Postdoctoral Challenge. This initiative aims to accelerate ideas to transform the treatment of some of the world’s most complex diseases while promoting diversity of thought and driving research opportunities worldwide.

The R&D Postdoctoral Challenge is designed to encourage final-year MD and/or PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from anywhere in the world to submit their own research proposals. Successful candidates will compete to be awarded a fully funded postdoctoral research position with AstraZeneca for a two-year term, and they will have access to cutting-edge facilities, in-house expertise, compounds, novel tools and technologies, and mentoring support to develop their ideas and innovate.

Unlike conventional postdoctoral positions, the challenge is open to submissions until 30 June and encourages applicants to devise their own research projects to advance the next wave of therapeutics for people who need them most. This follows the success of the inaugural 2022 programme, in which six finalists were awarded fully funded research positions within the Company.

Shortlisted applicants will pitch their research ideas to a panel consisting of AstraZeneca leaders and external life science leaders in September, and the selection of finalists will be decided later in the year. Proposals will be reviewed based on scientific merit and their potential to create real impact for patients, society, and healthcare systems.

Prof. Sir Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “Our ambition through the R&D Postdoctoral Challenge is to promote a rich tapestry of ideas and create a diverse, global community of researchers with access to AstraZeneca’s cutting-edge facilities and world-leading expertise. Last year, we were able to support all six of our finalists, and I am looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and helping even more early-career scientists translate their ideas into meaningful benefits for patients.”

Further information on the R&D Postdoctoral Challenge, including entry criteria and details on how to submit innovative research proposals, can be found at: https://openinnovation.astrazeneca.com/rd-postdoctoral-challenge.html.

The R&D Postdoctoral Challenge is part of AstraZeneca’s Early Talent programmes, which aim to encourage diversity of thought and nurture the next generation of science leaders.