Data Scientist

AstraZeneca•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a Data Scientist to lead bioinformatic and data science efforts focused on single-cell RNA‑seq (scRNA‑seq) data. This role involves experimental design support, data processing, quality control, and downstream analysis. The Data Scientist will apply advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI methods to single-cell transcriptomic data to identify cell states, trajectories, biomarkers, and mechanistic insights relevant to clinical outcomes. They will also integrate scRNA‑seq data with complementary data types (e.g., bulk RNA‑seq, genomics, clinical metadata) to support translational and clinical decision‑making. The position requires analyzing and interpreting single‑cell TCR sequencing (scTCR‑seq) data to characterize T‑cell clonality, diversity, and clonal dynamics in clinical cell therapy studies, and integrating scRNA‑seq and scTCR‑seq data to link T‑cell receptor repertoire features with transcriptional states, phenotypes, and clinical outcomes. The Data Scientist will design and implement custom analytical tools and models tailored to cell therapy and immunology research questions, and collaborate closely with biologists, clinicians, and cross‑functional teams to translate single‑cell analytics into actionable insights for ongoing clinical programs. A key aspect of this role is contributing to the development of analytical models for clinical NGS and single‑cell data in regulated environments. The Data Scientist will establish and maintain reproducible, scalable data architectures using cloud platforms and/or high‑performance computing resources, and build and manage code repositories, documentation, and best practices for single‑cell data analysis. Communication of complex analytical methods and findings through clear reports, visualizations, presentations, and collaborative discussions is essential. The role also involves staying current with emerging single‑cell technologies, methods, and tools, and proactively incorporating them to improve analytical approaches.

Requirements

5+ years of relevant experience with a BS/BA, or 3+ years with an MS/MA, or 1+ year with a PhD in data science, computational biology, bioengineering, or a related field, with relevant post‑graduate experience.
Deep hands‑on experience with single‑cell RNA‑seq data analysis, including normalization, batch correction, clustering, annotation, trajectory inference, and differential expression.
Strong background in NGS workflows, with emphasis on single‑cell experimental platforms and data characteristics.
Proficiency with single‑cell immune repertoire sequencing concepts, including clonotype definition, diversity metrics, and longitudinal clonal tracking.
Expertise in bioinformatics and computational biology tools and frameworks commonly used for scRNA‑seq and scTCR‑seq analysis.
Proficiency in Python and R, including development of reproducible analytical pipelines, workflows, and visualizations.
Experience working with cloud computing platforms and/or high‑performance computing clusters.
Solid understanding of statistical methods and their application to single‑cell and biomedical data.
Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non‑experts.
Flexibility to adjust priorities and contribute beyond the initial scope as project needs evolve.

Nice To Haves

Experience in immunology, immune‑oncology, or cell therapy research is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Lead bioinformatic and data science efforts focused on single‑cell RNA‑seq (scRNA‑seq) data, including experimental design support, data processing, quality control, and downstream analysis.
Apply advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI methods to single‑cell transcriptomic data to identify cell states, trajectories, biomarkers, and mechanistic insights relevant to clinical outcomes.
Integrate scRNA‑seq data with complementary data types (e.g., bulk RNA‑seq, genomics, clinical metadata) to support translational and clinical decision‑making.
Analyze and interpret single‑cell TCR sequencing (scTCR‑seq) data to characterize T‑cell clonality, diversity, and clonal dynamics in clinical cell therapy studies.
Integrate scRNA‑seq and scTCR‑seq data to link T‑cell receptor repertoire features with transcriptional states, phenotypes, and clinical outcomes.
Design and implement custom analytical tools and models tailored to cell therapy and immunology research questions.
Collaborate closely with biologists, clinicians, and cross‑functional teams to translate single‑cell analytics into actionable insights for ongoing clinical programs.
Contribute to the development of analytical models for clinical NGS and single‑cell data in regulated environments.
Establish and maintain reproducible, scalable data architectures using cloud platforms and/or high‑performance computing resources.
Build and manage code repositories, documentation, and best practices for single‑cell data analysis.
Communicate complex analytical methods and findings through clear reports, visualizations, presentations, and collaborative discussions.
Stay current with emerging single‑cell technologies, methods, and tools, and proactively incorporate them to improve analytical approaches.

Benefits

We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases.
We’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work.
Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit.
To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges.
There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society.
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.