Christopher J. Rhodes, PhD

Chris is a renowned leader in the field of diabetes, obesity and metabolism research, with a career spanning over three decades. He has more than 180 published manuscripts, and has held industry and academic leadership roles at top institutions that include Harvard Medical School and the University of Washington. Chris is also Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, Department of Medicine.  

Chris’ research journey began in 1984 when he received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of London. Soon after, he was quickly established as a pioneering force in the field of diabetes research—beginning with postdoctoral fellowships at the Joslin Diabetes Center/ Harvard Medical School and the University of Cambridge, then following with academic appointments and industry roles among some of the most venerated institutions in the US and the UK.

Chris’ diabetes research has centered on the molecular mechanisms of insulin production and secretion, as well as signal transduction pathways that control pancreatic beta-cells growth and death in relation to the pathogenesis of diabetes. His work has earned him numerous awards and honors, as well as research funding from esteemed organisations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association and the National Institutes of Health. He also was a member of the National Institutes of Health Endocrinology and CADO Study Sections, an associate editor for Diabetes, the journal of the American Diabetes Association, a reviewer for multiple other peer-reviewed journals and is a frequent visiting professor and lecturer.

In 2015, Christopher joined AstraZeneca and in his role as Chief Scientist, is responsible for developing and growing the CVRM research base in the US and the UK, as well as contributing to the product development goals and vision across the CVRM therapeutic area. His research continues to focus on the molecular pathogenesis of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as the regulation of biosynthesis and production of polypeptide hormones; signal transduction mechanisms for insulin sensitivity; and novel pharmacological biologic targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

In May 2019, Chris’s was announced as the new Chair of AstraZeneca’s postdoctoral programme. His wealth of experience, strong links to academia and passion for biomedical education means he has the ideal background to continue to build this industry-leading programme.

AstraZeneca’s postdoc programme offers outstanding training, intellectual freedom, high-impact publishing opportunities, and, ultimately, a springboard for a great scientific career. With a dedicated supervisor from one of AstraZeneca’s two R&D organisations (BioPharmaceuticals or Oncology), complemented by an academic mentor, postdocs work at the interface of academia and industry, and gain a unique combination of experience from both worlds.