Sandra Rocha

Science Communication Director at AstraZeneca

Greater Gothenburg Metropolitan Area

About

I lead the communication strategy within the Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism therapy areas, oversee early science reviews, and guide experts in effective communications. My experience spans 20 years of research and teaching, with a focus on protein aggregation, amyloid fibril formation in neurodegenerative diseases, drug delivery systems, and protein-membrane interactions. Over the course of my career, I have mentored several doctoral students, contributed to the writing of lecture notes and research grants, and authored over 50 scientific articles within these fields. My interests include science communication, research strategy, and global health.

Experience

  • Science Communication Director at AstraZeneca
    Feb 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

    I am accountable for the science communication strategy for Early Development in Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (Early CVRM). I provide direction and prepare for early science reviews with senior executives, develop and facilitate internal communication of key achievements and progress milestones, and support senior leaders in preparing scientific content for key presentations. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft and execute an integrated global corporate affairs strategy and CVRM narrative.

  • Laboratory Manager at AstraZeneca at Avantor
    Aug 2021 - Feb 2022 · 7 mos

    Responsible for the operational management of the Cell Lab Centre of Excellence at AstraZeneca. Assisted with safety requirements and compliance of resources; liaised with scientists, senior stakeholders and AstraZeneca’s facility management team to ensure efficient information sharing; collaborated with scientists to enhance the centre scientific capabilities.

  • Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden)
    • Associate Professor in Biophysical Chemistry
      May 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr 4 mos

      My contributions to research, teaching experience, and pedagogical skills led to my promotion to associate professor.

    • Researcher in Chemical Biology
      Mar 2013 - Aug 2021 · 8 yrs 6 mos

      Led and implemented research in the field of protein aggregation associated with neurodegenerative diseases and mechanistic studies underlying the interaction of alpha-synuclein with lipid membranes. Taught courses in master's programs, including Protein Folding and Function, and Biophysical Chemistry; supervised master and PhD students; managed the chemical biology division laboratories.

  • Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (7 yrs 3 mos)
    • Researcher in amyloid fibril formation and nanomedicine
      Jan 2008 - Jan 2013 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Research in the field of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, and drug delivery systems for Alzheimer’s disease treatment, cancer therapy and gene therapy. Responsible for the chemistry module in the course Integrated Laboratories I and Microbial Biochemistry of the Bioengineering degree. Research position awarded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the competitive Portuguese national science programme Ciência 2007.

    • Post-Doc Research Fellow awarded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
      Nov 2005 - Dec 2007 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Research in the field of nanotechnology and protein structure: design of protein-polymer conjugates as drug delivery systems; study the adsorption and diffusion of plasma proteins on different surfaces.

  • Guest Researcher at Oslo University Hospital
    Feb 2011 - Jul 2011 · 6 mos

    mobility program YGGDRASIL Research in the field of nanotechnology and photodynamic therapy.