Associate Principal Data Scientist

AstraZeneca - Associate Principal Data Scientist Job Opportunity

AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Our purpose is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing treatments. Join our Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) team, where cutting-edge science transforms into actual medicines benefiting millions worldwide.

At PT&D, we navigate the entire value chain, crafting and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices for new medicines. We also provide expert technical support for our commercial drug substances and products, ensuring successful delivery to patients. We are now seeking forward-thinking Associate Principal Data Scientists to spearhead initiatives within our global Digital Science team!

Job Description

The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on neural networks and deep learning. Expertise in natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) is especially desirable. Your role will involve developing innovative algorithms and models to revolutionize the drug development process, enhancing the quality of our science, and driving significant operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with global customers across PT&D to identify opportunities and lead the development and implementation of advanced ML and AI models, with a particular focus on NLP applications.
• Innovate and deploy state-of-the-art neural network architectures for complex tasks in pharmaceutical drug development.
• Evaluate and incorporate the latest ML and AI research into practical applications to further AstraZeneca’s objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, engineers, and domain experts to ensure the successful integration and scaling of ML and AI solutions across the organization.
• Inspire and mentor junior colleagues, fostering their technical growth.
• Articulate complex data-driven insights and their business implications to senior management and key collaborators.
• Maintain integrity and confidentiality of all data and models in compliance with company policies and regulations.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Linguistics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in ML and AI, with a focus on NLP and language models, backed by a portfolio of successful projects.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages, and hands-on experience with ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Proven experience handling large datasets and using cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) for complex data science tasks.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the capability to lead high-level projects with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the capacity to engage and influence senior partners.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Proven application of ML and AI, specifically NLP and LLMs, to address challenges in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Familiarity with advanced technologies such as physics-informed neural networks, liquid neural networks, and neural differential equations for drug discovery and development.
• A commitment to best practices in data management and a track record of fostering reproducibility and transparency in research.
• A strong publication record in the relevant field.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we believe in the power of diverse teams to unleash bold thinking and inspire life-changing medicines. We balance in-person collaboration with individual flexibility, typically working three days per week in the office. Join us to push the boundaries of science and make a meaningful difference in medicine, patients, and society.

We are committed to being a Great Place to Work, promoting an inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters continuous learning and growth. Embark on an exciting journey with us to pioneer the future of healthcare.

We welcome your application (CV and cover letter) no later than 27th June 2024.

Application Details

Opening Date: 13th June 2024
Closing Date: 27th June 2024

AstraZeneca is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and provide reasonable accommodations to help everyone perform at their best. Please express any necessary adjustments in your application form.

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