Senior Scientist/Associate Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry and Machine Learning

Medicinal Chemistry – Oncology

Cambridge

Do you have expertise in, and passion for, Computational Chemistry and Machine Learning? Would you like to join a world leading team that pushes the boundaries of science and technology to deliver life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the right company for you!

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then we want to hear from you!

There’s no better place to make an impact – here we are uniquely placed with the funding, the ambition and the bravery to make it happen.

We work seamlessly and inclusively together. Playing to each of our strengths, celebrating successes and learning from the best. Embrace the exposure to build a meaningful career and make that decision to apply today!

SITE DESCRIPTION

The role will initially be based at our site in the Chesterford Research Park but will transition to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge during 2022. Both sites provide access to on-site restaurant facilities and a bright and spacious environment while utilising the most advanced technology.

Cambridge Biomedical Campus combines world-class biomedical research, patient care and education on a single site location in the heart of Cambridge. This new purpose-built site will bring together the company’s research and development activity in a state-of-the-art strategic R&D centre and global corporate headquarters. The building has been designed with the open architecture reflecting AstraZeneca’s collaborative approach to research. Open laboratories and transparent glass walls will enable new ways of working across disciplines, whilst a central courtyard will put science on full display.

BUSINESS AREA

Be part of fulfilling our ambition to be world leaders in Oncology. We are already the fastest growing team within AstraZeneca and across the industry, and there are countless new indications and targets in our game-changing pipeline. We deliver this value through launch excellence, commercial effectiveness and maximising the lifecycle. By leveraging our commercialised portfolio we are confident we can change the practice of medicine and redefine cancer treatment.

We’re brave disruptors – entrepreneurial, courageous and pioneering in our approach. Here you have the opportunity to step up, take personal accountability and lead changes in our ever-evolving environment.

With pace and drive, comes trust that we will get it done. Embrace the freedom to create and expand your horizons. Always backed and supported by pioneering leaders, this is the place to build a world-class career that’s meaningful and rewarding.

The role

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Scientist or Associate Principal Scientist* with expertise in Computational Chemistry and Machine Learning to join the Medicinal Chemistry Department within the Oncology therapeutic area.

*Role commensurate with experience

We are expanding our Computational Chemistry team in Cambridge, to build on our application of cutting-edge AI and ML approaches for drug design and synthesis. The team operates in a highly cross-disciplinary environment in close collaboration with scientists from chemistry, bioscience, DMPK and pharmaceutical sciences.   

In this role you will use your expertise in machine learning and data analysis methods to solve challenging drug discovery problems in Oncology. Working in collaboration with colleagues in Cambridge (UK), Boston (USA) and Gothenburg (Sweden),  you will contribute to the development of new machine learning methods for drug discovery, including ADME, safety and bioactivity prediction, and apply these to Oncology drug discovery projects.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Impacting multiple discovery projects by efficiently and pro-actively applying a wide variety of computer-aided drug design approaches including machine learning and data analysis
• Using Machine Learning and statistical modelling, you will work in drug discovery projects, and global platform capability teams to identify and deliver solutions for key drug discovery problems.
• Developing appropriate algorithms, techniques and curating datasets to answer relevant chemical/biological questions
• Establishing academic and internal collaborations to access and drive progress in machine learning science for drug discovery
• You will be expected to plan, write and publish high quality scientific papers

Essential Requirements

We are looking for someone who is passionate about drug discovery and machine learning to join our computational chemistry team. You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in the fields of chemistry, computer science, statistics or other relevant life sciences disciplines. You are expected to have a high degree of independence and strong networking and collaboration skills.

• Expertise in one or more of the core machine learning areas (e.g. ANNs, SVMs, Bayesian approaches, reinforcement learning, deep neural networks, probabilistic rule-based learning).
• Experience in applying a broad range of computational chemistry, cheminformatics and machine learning techniques, including structure and ligand based drug design
• Broad knowledge of computational chemistry and cheminformatics concepts and techniques
• Expertise in using computational chemistry software as well as programming skills (e.g. Python, C++, Java).
• Excellent communication, presentation, team working and influencing skills
• Excellent time management, forward planning and delivery focus

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong track record of applying innovative computational chemistry or machine learning approaches in a drug discovery setting with resulting impact in drug discovery project delivery.
• An expert understanding of medicinal chemistry concepts and how computational chemistry can impact drug discovery

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Click on the link to apply today and you could be joining us very soon!

This fantastic opportunity is available for a Senior Scientist or Associate Principal Scientist candidate, however an application would be welcome from candidates with differing levels of experience within this area.

Competitive salary package and benefits

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Closing Date: 24/09/2021

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

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Or reach out to our recruiter for a confidential discussion by connecting on LinkedIn: Sam Hunter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhunter1/

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.