Senior Scientist - Drug Discovery (AI/ML)

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•$118,870 - $178,306•Onsite

About The Position

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and independent Scientist/Senior Scientist with expertise in computational biology applied to cellular therapy, immunology, and/or immuno-oncology to join its Cell Therapy Team in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The role supports the advancement of innovative cell therapy products 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 Senior Scientist will conduct discovery research, develop and deploy AI-driven machine learning and deep learning models, and interpret data in the context of drug discovery. The role also involves providing technical instruction, collaborating across a matrixed organization, presenting scientific findings, and ensuring work complies 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 (such as 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

Independently plan, conduct, and troubleshoot discovery research experiments.
Assess and report data, explain 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 developing new therapies.
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.