Associate Principal AI Scientist

Melbourn Science Park, UK

Are you a looking for a new opportunity?

Do you have expertise in, and passion for, Data science? Would you like to apply your expertise to a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

The Associate Principal AI Scientist will direct the application of sophisticated quantitative expertise in advanced mathematical  disciplines to develop innovative data science solutions.

The role will drive the application of foundational and cutting-edge techniques to manipulate and process structured and unstructured data, in combination with business domain knowledge, to develop and apply advanced modelling algorithms (e.g. classification, regression, clustering, NLP, image analysis, graph theory and more) to generate business insights. They likely coordinate the creation, maintenance and/or improvement of advanced AI models for ongoing and ad hoc review and analysis. The role will work autonomously with limited direct supervision from senior team members. Will provide coaching, task management and support to Associate AI Scientists promoting best practice across multiple domains, and/or stakeholder groups. The role will be part of the central IT group for Enterprise Data and AI Services spanning various business areas such as R&D, Commercial, Operations and the Enabling Units.

The role will initially be focused on solving Enabling Unit business problems and will require interfacing with teams throughout Finance, Legal, Sustainability, HR and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Job Role

The will apply sophisticated advanced analytics and machine learning methods to develop innovative data science solutions. The role will drive the application of foundational and cutting-edge techniques to manipulate and process structured and unstructured data, in combination with business domain knowledge, to develop and apply advanced modelling algorithms (e.g. classification, regression, clustering, NLP, graph theory and more) to generate business insights. They will coordinate the creation, maintenance and/or improvement of advanced models for ongoing and ad hoc AI projects.

The role will work autonomously with limited direct supervision from senior team members. The role will also work closely with business stakeholders and subject matter experts to define problems to solve with machine learning or advanced analytical approaches. They will also provide coaching, task management and support for other Data Scientists, including promoting best practices across multiple domains and stakeholder groups.

Typical Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of novel modelling solutions designed to drive the interrogation of datasets for insights in scientific and business application areas within defined project scope.  This includes integrating complex data from multiple different sources and modalities includes the application of specialized approaches in classification, regression, clustering, NLP, image analysis, graph theory and/or other techniques.

• Using domain-specific understanding, translates unstructured, complex business problems into the appropriate data problem, model and analytical solutions.

• Researches and develops advanced predictive models and computational methods to guide and shape decision-making within the project scope.

• Provide training and advice to collaborators on optimal use of key data, analysis platforms and the appropriate use of data science.

• Apply expert AI research techniques, including establishment of hypotheses that can be approached using computational methods and tools. Present or publish findings for conferences and in peer reviewed journals.

• Build and manage effective relationships with stakeholders to ensure utilization and value of information resources and services. Clearly and objectively communicate results, as well as their associated uncertainties and limitations to shape solutions.

• Provide advanced data science expertise to cross-functional projects and shape delivery of data science solutions that drive value to AstraZeneca.

• Apply a range of data science methodologies, developing novel data science solutions where off-the-shelf methodologies do not fit.

• Develop, implement and maintain required tools and algorithms in a manner which meets regulatory and evidential requirements within project scope.

• Leads small (2-3 person) data science projects of defined scope and provide coaching for junior team members

• Developing, maintaining and applying ongoing knowledge and awareness in trends, standard methodology and new developments in analytics and data science.

• Review and develop working practices to ensure that data science work is delivered to robust quality standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, economics, computational sciences, or a related quantitative discipline; or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated experience with modern data science approaches, including unsupervised and supervised classification and regression algorithms such as k-means clustering, support vector machines, random forests, neural networks and deep learning. May also have expertise in advanced statistical modelling, or broader aspects of applied mathematics such as dynamical systems or optimisation.

• Extensive experience in the modelling of complex datasets in applied business and/or scientific application domains

• Advanced knowledge and proven experience with the standard data science languages: R and Python (Python preferred) and familiarity with database systems (e.g. SQL, NoSQL, graph).

• Understanding and familiarity with software development principles.

• Experience of manipulating and analysing large high dimensionality unstructured datasets, drawing conclusions, defining recommended actions, and reporting results across stakeholders.

• Understanding of algorithm design, development, optimization, scaling and applications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, business analysis, and consultancy skills.

• Good understanding of at least one business area where the data science is applied.

Desirable

• PhD degree in computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, economics, natural sciences, or a related quantitative discipline.

• Comfortable working in high performance computing or cloud environment.

• Proven track record of publishing relevant predictive modelling results and tools in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other scientific proceedings.

• Experience in commercial setting.

• Experience in life sciences and healthcare.

• Experience in novel methods development and application.

If this sounds like you... Apply today!

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Competitive Salary & Benefits Offered

Closing Date: 7th September

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.