Postdoc Fellow - Machine Learning of Chemical Reactivity

About the Postdoc Opportunity:

Are you interested in an Industry Postdoc where you'll work with world leaders in your field, in a vibrant and multi-disciplinary environment? Yes. Read on!

In this role, you will have the opportunity to broaden your skills in machine learning, as well as computational chemistry, and deepen your understanding of organic reaction mechanisms. You will work with experts in molecular modelling, machine learning, and synthetic chemistry, both within AstraZeneca and with external partners.

Under the supervision of Per-Ola Norrby, Computational Pharmaceutics Scientist at AstraZeneca, your primary responsibility will be to develop predictive models for specific chemical transformation, largely within the field of C-H activation. This will entail the following:

* Gather and curate reactivity data, from internal databases as well as from the literature
* Study reaction mechanisms and calculate reactivity-related descriptors using quantum mechanical methods
* Apply machine learning methods to generate predictive models
* Collaborate on design of workflows for automated predictions
* Collaborate on designing high throughput experiments for optimum data augmentation
* Prepare publications based on the collaborative work.
* Present the work, internally and at international conferences
* Promote the usage of predictive tools within AstraZeneca



Essential Education and Experience:

* PhD in Computational Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, or related fields
* A strong interest in chemical reaction mechanisms



Desirable Qualifications:

* Experience in Machine Learning
* Programming
* Lab experience, or experience in collaboration with lab chemists
* Homogeneous catalysis
* C-H functionalization reactions



Skills and Capabilities required:

* Molecular Modelling
* Multivariate analysis
* Independently generate and test new hypotheses.
* High quality presentations, at conferences and in publications
* Collaboration with experts from other disciplines



This is a 3-year programme. 2 years will be a Fixed Term Contract, with a 1-year extension which will be merit based. The role will be based in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a competitive salary on offer.

Advert opening date - March 20, 2020

Advert closing date - May 17, 2020



About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business 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're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Here, employees are empowered to express diverse perspectives - and are made to feel valued, energised and rewarded for their ideas and creativity.



About our Postdoc Program:

We're currently looking for talented scientists to join our innovative academic-style Postdoc. From our centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, you'll be in a global pharmaceutical environment, contributing to live projects right from the start. You'll take part in a comprehensive training programme, including a focus on drug discovery and development, given access to our existing Postdoctoral research, and encouraged to pursue your own independent research in cutting edge laboratories. It's a newly expanding programme spanning a range of therapeutic areas across a wide range of disciplines.

What's more, you'll have the support of a leading academic advisor, who'll provide you with the guidance and knowledge you need to develop your career. This is an exciting area that hasn't been explored to its full potential, making this an opportunity to make a real difference to the future of medical science.