Data Scientist, Biologics Engineering, Oncology R&D
AstraZeneca

Job Info

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Central to this role will be the development of end-to-end data management and analysis capabilities to deliver novel biologics drugs driven by industry-leading biologics R&D data. You will become part of an interdisciplinary Bioinformatics team, working at the heart of research and development creating an active learning system, in which model predictions guide lab experiments, lab automation generates high-throughput data for model training, and predictive models are updated as new data are generated.

ASTRAZENECA

With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with novel drugs and help discover what's next. We foster a mindset of courage, where everyone is empowered to step up, innovate and work at pace. We lead through true collaboration, building collective wisdom by giving everyone a chance to input. It's science with an impact-making a difference for patients and people around the world.

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Gaithersburg site (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOvxXGjBd1w) employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all crafted to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We are dedicated to crafting a culture of collaboration. The Gaithersburg campus offers a variety of amenities to help boost efficiency and help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria, game rooms, community garden and much more.

BUSINESS AREA

Join the Biologics Engineering team at AstraZeneca, where we are responsible for the discovery and optimisation of next-generation biological drug candidates across all key therapy areas. We are developing in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs. Be empowered to act fast on smart risks and keep ahead in the fast-paced Oncology field.

What you'll do

You will work closely with our R&D scientists in fields of software engineering, lab automation, computational modelling and machine learning, with access to biologics R&D data across AstraZeneca constantly generating new data to both build and inform predictive models. This role provides the opportunity for a motivated Bioinformatician / Data Scientist to develop and manage the flow of data to create end-to-end data management capabilities that will have a significant impact on the delivery of the novel biologics drugs of the future.

• Work with scientists across Biologics Engineering to develop end-to-end data management capabilities for biologics discovery, creating automated pipelines for the flow of data.
  
• Develop applications to configure and customize commercial Genedata Biologics software for tracking biologics discovery data from antibody screening, protein engineering and protein production.
  
• Extend the functionality of Genedata Biologics by developing custom computational tools using its Java Software Development Kit, for data ingestion from lab instruments and for data analysis.
  
• Collaborate with IT functions responsible for the deployment and maintenance of the live Genedata Biologics system and its integration with external databases.
  
• Collaborate with web application developers to integrate the Genedata Biologics system with custom applications for experiment design and data analysis.
  
• Collaborate with machine learning colleagues to develop an active learning system that continually trains machine learning models on data from biologics experiments and uses these data to inform subsequent experiments.
  
• Learn about leading machine learning methods for biologics design and for active learning applied to biologics experiments.
  

Essential for the role

• MS in computer science, bioinformatics or relevant computational field and 1+ year of experience OR BS and 3 years of experience
  
• Experience of working in a scientific environment, generating insights from R&D data sets - preferably Drug Discovery.
  
• Experience developing high-quality object oriented software in Java or Python.
  
• Experience with software development best practices.
  
• Experience working within a team environment.
  
• Can-do attitude. Acts with integrity and does the right thing. Desire to learn and grow.
  

Desirable for the role

• Experience working at interface of dry / wet lab. Knowledge of data formats for lab automation equipment.
  
• Experience with SQL, including configuring and querying databases programmatically.
  
• Experience working with Genedata Biologics or similar platform for biological data management.
  
• Demonstrated agile methodology familiarity.
  
• Experience developing, debugging and data analysis pipelines and an understanding of the data requirements for downstream machine learning.
  
• Exposure to graph database systems and related query languages e.g. SPARQL.
  

Why AstraZeneca?

We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Competitive salary & benefits

Close date: 10/05/2024

So, what's next!

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can't wait to hear from you. Don't delay, apply today!
  

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Inclusion & Diversity: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/inclusion-diversity

Career Site: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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