Senior Scientist - Drug Discovery (AI/ML)
At a glance
Senior AI Research role at AstraZeneca. Gaithersburg · full-time · $118,870–$178,305 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Plan and troubleshoot discovery experiments, then interpret results to draw conclusions and choose follow-up work
- Build and apply machine-learning and deep-learning models to find useful patterns in structured and unstructured data
- Present research across the cell therapy unit and other functions, and give technical guidance to teammates
- Keep your work and peers’ work aligned with internal standards and external regulations
What you bring
- A relevant PhD or equivalent experience in bioinformatics, systems biology or another listed discipline
- At least three years in cellular therapy, immunology or another listed area
- Proficiency in Python or R, plus experience with UNIX systems, high-performance computing and large-scale data handling
- Knowledge of omics data, AI and statistical modeling, alongside hands-on T-cell functional assay experience
Who this fits
This senior individual-contributor role suits someone who can carry projects through in a team setting and work across disciplines. The position is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
From the employer
Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery
Location: Gaithersburg, MD USA
This Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Scientist/Sr. Scientist with demonstrated experience and expertise in Computational Biology applied to Cellular Therapy, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology to join our rapidly growing Cell Therapy Team.
In this role you will contribute to the advancement of innovative Cell Therapy products by developing advanced computational models using large-scale omic datasets, designing and conducting laboratory experiments, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a highly collaborative environment. The role will be based in Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
Accountabilities
- Plans, conducts, and troubleshoots discovery research experiments independently.
- Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments
- Design, develop, and deploy AI-driven machine learning and deep learning models to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data sources relevant to the development of new therapies.
- Provides technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work where possible
- Works collaboratively in a matrix environment
- Prepares and delivers presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions
- Ensures own work, and work of peers, are compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations
Education and Experience
- PhD in relevant disciplines or equivalent experience (e.g. Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science)
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, Immuno-Oncology, Computational Biology, and/or Data Science
Essential Skills
- Proficiency in Python and/or R Prior experience in UNIX-based systems, high-performance computing (e.g. SLURM), and large-scale data management
- Expertise in omics technologies, and capable of processing large-scale biological datasets (e.g. single cell/spatial transcriptomics, in-house proprietary data sources such as in vitro or in vivo data)
- Deep understanding of AI, predictive modelling, and statistical methods applied to training of machine learning models
- Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine measurement, and multi-parameter flow cytometry
- Ability and motivation to drive projects to completion in a team environment
Desirable Skills
- Experience in drug development in an industry setting
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods, and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.
So, what’s next!
Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870.40 - $178,305.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
22-Oct-2026Closing Date
20-Nov-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.