Senior Scientist - Drug Discovery (AI/ML)

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated, independent Scientist/Senior Scientist with expertise in computational biology applied to cellular therapy, immunology, and/or immuno-oncology. The role contributes to innovative cell therapy product discovery by developing computational models using large-scale omics datasets, designing and conducting laboratory experiments, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a collaborative environment. The position is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. The Senior Scientist plans and conducts discovery research, evaluates and reports data in the context of drug discovery, draws conclusions, and determines future experiments. The role also develops and deploys AI-driven machine learning and deep learning models, provides technical instruction, works across a matrixed organization, presents findings, and ensures compliance with internal standards and external regulations.

Requirements

PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience, such as bioinformatics, systems biology, applied mathematics, statistics, data science, or computer science.
At least 3 years of experience in cellular therapy, immunology, immuno-oncology, computational biology, and/or data science.
Proficiency in Python and/or R.
Prior experience with UNIX-based systems, high-performance computing (e.g., SLURM), and large-scale data management.
Expertise in omics technologies and ability to process large-scale biological datasets, including single-cell or spatial transcriptomics and proprietary in vitro or in vivo data.
Deep understanding of AI, predictive modeling, and statistical methods applied to training machine-learning models.
Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays, such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine measurement, and multiparameter flow cytometry.
Ability and motivation to drive projects to completion in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in drug development in an industry setting.

Responsibilities

Plan, conduct, and troubleshoot discovery research experiments independently.
Assess and report data, understand its implications in the context of drug discovery, formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments.
Design, develop, and deploy AI-driven machine learning and deep learning models to derive insights from structured and unstructured data relevant to new therapy development.
Provide technical instruction to the team and allocate administrative work where possible.
Work collaboratively in a matrix environment.
Prepare and deliver presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions.
Ensure own work and peers’ work comply with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.