Data Scientist/Bioinformatician with Oligonucleotide skills

Are you the data scientist/bioinformatician with knowledge in the field of Oligonucleotides that we are looking for? Do you wish to join a growing team where you will have the opportunity to further exploit our drug discovery platforms? We invite you to join us at AstraZeneca!

As Data Scientist/Bioinformatician you will join our Early Respiratory and Immunology - Translational Science & Experimental Medicine department, that provides an agile and open environment with a culture that is science and patient-focused. The position will be placed at AstraZeneca either in Gothenburg (Sweden), Gaithersburg (US) or Cambridge (UK). You will focus on machine learning techniques and network biology to integrate data from antisense oligonucleotide programs to influence target selection, design and intracellular delivery.

We have been curious about oligonucleotides as a new modality since 2012 and our scientific interest has only grown. Therefore, we are now poised to exploit on the wealth of expertise from across our R&D units and through a new matrix organization to deliver a proprietary Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Platform in-house - which you also will be a part of. We offer a highly rewarding scientific environment along with an inclusive, dynamic and team focused atmosphere - with a goal to design and develop the oligonucleotide therapeutics of the future.

What you will do:
In this role, you will utilise machine learning and network biology to derive sequence activity relationships. Furthermore we will rely on you to predict and rationalise on and off-target effects in the design of novel antisense oligonucleotides utilising e.g. transcriptomic analysis. As well as through bioinformatic analysis propose novel targets and delivery systems. You will be part of project teams that drive the progression of pipeline objectives and you will ensure that results are scientifically robust and detailed. Additionally, the work includes working compliantly and with high ethical standards with patient level data.

We truly believe that everyone contributes with a unique set of competence and our team is a collaborative group where you would join being a strong team member and an encouraging colleague. You should have the ability to communicate and operate effectively across our multi-disciplinary, global environment and take own initiatives.

Essential in the role:
You will need to apply your great skills in genomic analysis and experience of working with bioinformatic analysis within antisense oligonucleotide research to be successful in this role. Furthermore you need broad experience applying ML methods such as random forests, SVMs, penalized regression, clustering, dimensionality reduction in a systems biology or systems medicine context.

We also believe you have:

* PhD in bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, data science, engineering or similar.
* Track record of applying ML to projects in antisense oligonucleotide discovery or development in an academic or industrial setting.
* Skills in integration of large multimodal data sets, such as different omics platforms, preferably with experience of single cell transcriptomics data.
* Programming proficiency and experience with relevant software tools such as R, Python or MATLAB (other programming languages welcome), version control (Git/Bitbucket), and databases (SQL as well as NoSQL).

Desirable in the role:

* Working in a Linux environment, with experience of cluster or cloud computing (e.g. AWS or Azure).
* Post-doc experience or otherwise relevant data science research experience.
* Experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
* Strong publication record.

Why AstraZeneca?
Join a place built on innovation and creativity. Where different views and perspectives are welcomed and valued. An environment that champions inclusion, and teams that reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve. Most importantly, we do meaningful work that changes lives. It's our purpose that drives us, everyday.

What's next? We look forward to find out more about you! Welcome to send in your application from today, the 1st April 2021, but no later than 2nd May, 2021.

Where can I find out more?
Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en
Read more about BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html

This position entitles competitive salary and benefits package on offer.