Associate Principal AI Scientist

AstraZeneca•Durham, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a driven Data Scientist with a robust foundation in traditional data science methods and a passion for Agentic AI, and human-in-the-loop (HITL) multi-agent systems? If so, an exciting opportunity awaits you at AstraZeneca! We are looking for Associate Principal AI Data Scientists eager to utilize their expertise in these advanced technologies to revolutionize our drug development processes. In the Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) department, you will be a key player in transforming molecules into groundbreaking medical treatments. PT&D leads the charge in developing cutting-edge synthetic routes, drug formulations and delivery technologies, ensuring our products are effective, safe, and of the highest quality. Your role involves contributing data science expertise into cross functional global pharmaceutical development projects in support of transforming the way we deliver medicines to patients. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping our AI strategy and driving the co-development of sophisticated HITL multi-agent systems. We are hiring two candidates for this position, and the roles will be based at our dynamic site in Durham (USA).

Requirements

Min Bachelor´s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning or related fields.
At least 3 years of experience in Deep Learning and ML
Excellent coding skills in languages such as Python, R.
Hands-on industrial experience designing multi-agent patterns, digital twins and experience with agentic AI design patterns, reinforcement learning.
Extensive industrial experience with AI and ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch,
Hands-on experience with GenAI orchestration frameworks such as LangGraph, CrewAI
Hands-on experience with reinforcement learning libraries such as OpenAI Gym, Ray RLlib, or Stable Baselines.
Hands-on industrial experience with applied machine learning domains such as deep learning, NLP, GenAI.

Nice To Haves

Contributions to open-source projects.
Strong publication record in the field of AI.
Experience designing multi-agent systems in the pharmaceutical sector.
Experience delivering machine learning projects with applications in pharmaceutical development, chemical engineering or chemistry.
Experience with one or more of the following applied machine learning domains such as transfer learning, federated learning, few/zero shot learning, meta learning, explainable AI.

Responsibilities

Drive innovation in agentic AI, multi-agent systems, and digital twins, exploring new methodologies and applications.
Design, implement, and optimize algorithms for autonomous decision-making, coordination, and policy learning among agents and digital twins using techniques like Markov Decision Processes (MDPs), Partially Observable MDPs (POMDPs), and multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL).
Evaluate agent performance in the context of decision making, collaboration, competition, uncertainty.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams ensuring knowledge transfer to IT engineering teams for IT solution builds and deployment.
Keep pace with industry advancements by reviewing academic papers and attending conferences.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and represent the company at scientific forums.
Communicate technical concepts and results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Benefits

AstraZeneca is a place where change is embraced, and new solutions are trialed with patients and business in mind.
Here, technology is a key lever for delivering medicines quickly, affordably, and sustainably.
Our diverse workforce is united by curiosity, sharing learnings to scale fast.
Be part of a digitally-enabled environment that impacts all parts of the business—from robotic process automation to machine learning for quality batches —while contributing to society and the planet.
An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities.
Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all.
Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.
We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge.
We find creative ways to approach new challenges.
We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions.
As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people.
Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab.
Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential.
Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others.
And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day.
This is your life at AstraZeneca.