Thesis Work, 60 Credits - High-Resolution Spatial Mapping and Characterization of Hepatitis B and Hepatis D in Liver Pathophysiology

Are you passionate about understanding viral liver disease and applying advanced spatial biology approaches to human tissue? Join AstraZeneca for a master’s thesis project investigating how Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D virus (HDV) interact with the liver microenvironment and contribute to liver injury, fibrosis, and tumour development.
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:
Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects approximately 250 million people worldwide, with around 0.9 million new infections reported annually, and contributed to approximately 1.1 million deaths in 2024 through complications including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An estimated 5% of patients with chronic HBV infection are coinfected with hepatitis D virus (HDV), which is associated with accelerated progression to cirrhosis, HCC, and liver-related death.
Despite advances in HBV and HDV research, the spatial relationships among viral transcription, HBV integration, host responses, and disease-associated liver microenvironments remain poorly defined. Addressing this gap is essential for understanding how persistent viral activity and local tissue biology contribute to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Cutting edge technologies such as spatial transcriptomics and long read sequencing provide high resolution approaches to study HBV and HDV to better charecterise viral and host gene expression and expression that is a result of HBV integration into the host genome. Together these technologies may reveal molecular mechanisms that link viral persistence and host responses to progressive liver disease and carcinogenic outcomes.
The proposal will pursue three complementary objectives: to map HBV and HDV transcripts and viral proteins within human liver tissue; to identify spatially resolved host responses and tissue microenvironments associated with viral persistence and disease progression; and to characterize HBV integration events and viral–host chimeric transcripts in relation to fibrosis, liver injury, and tumour development.
Placement:
This is an on-site position at AstraZeneca Gothenburg.
Please note, AstraZeneca does not support with accommodations for this role
Structure:
Duration: Start Spring 2027
Credits: 60
Essential Requirements:
Enrolled in a Master’s programme in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
Strong interest in virology, molecular biology, infectious diseases, liver biology, pathology, or spatial biology.
Basic knowledge of molecular biology
Experience with laboratory work and the handling of biological samples.
Interest in learning tissue-based methods, spatial analysis, microscopy, and image analysis.
Practical experience with NGS/sequencing and histology are a plus
Ability to independently plan, organize, and execute experimental work.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent English communication skills, including scientific writing and oral presentations.
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 November 05, 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
15-okt.-2026
Closing Date
05-nov.-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.