Image Analysis Scientist at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Job Description:

Are you passionate about advanced pathology imaging and digital image analysis? Can you apply these skills to help us in drug discovery? Do you have expertise in applying image analysis techniques to complex tissue imaging data and have an appetite for applying these skills to advance the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients? We have an opening at our Pathology department at AstraZeneca!


As an Image Analysis Scientist, you will apply brand new technologies and advanced image processing and analysis to help derive biological insights from digital pathology imaging data to support drug development projects. You will work alongside our team of image analysis scientists, imaging scientist, pathologists, biologists and data scientists within Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS).



CPSS is changing the way imaging technologies are combined to offer unprecedented insight and impact. Our global Imaging teams combine data from histology, digital pathology, multiplex immunofluorescent assays and advanced molecular imaging techniques (including mass spectrometry imaging) to understand the spatial biology of disease and drug discovery.


This position offers the opportunity to be involved in the investigation of both the safety and efficacy of drugs within our projects in both a preclinical and clinical setting. We believe this is a truly exciting opportunity.



The Role



You will support drug discovery project delivering image analysis endpoints. You will develop image analysis algorithms using commercial software platforms and bespoke innovative computer vision models primarily for digital pathology based imaging modalities (H&E, IHC, multiplex immunofluorescence) across multiple therapeutic areas. You will be fully connected with our global imaging teams offering access to our full suite of technologies.


You will take a lead in delivering established and cutting-edge image analysis for imaging data sets. Providing expertise in image processing, segmentation and quantitative analysis using both established image analysis software as well as other computer vision based machine learning and deep learning approaches to derive solutions to a range of problems in biomedical images. Working in a highly multidisciplinary environment with scientists across AstraZeneca.



Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive the delivery of impact to drug projects through image analysis support across all AZ therapy areas


• Deliver & develop image analysis support and data generation for digital pathology based imaging activities for preclinical studies. (e.g. Positive cell count, tissue segmentation, dual-stain analysis)


• Experience using vendor platform (e.g HALO/Visiopharm) and other computer vision based approaches.


• Collaborate with cross functional teams e.g. Imaging scientists, Pathologists and other Bioscientists, to develop analysis strategies & plans, lead image analysis studies, analyse images and derive results for drug safety and efficacy assessment.


• Prepare and present visualization of image analysis results, associated with drug treatments, response and survival data and other sample attributes using appropriate statistical methods.


• Active participation in the use of FAIR standards to support enterprise level image data storage and management, data ingestion processes, tools and technology to support current and future analyses and data insights to support AZ drug development portfolio.


• Collaborate with other Image Analysis scientists within the Pathology group and wider AZ organization to propose, review and finalize future image analysis algorithm development and project work.


• Communicates project results, conclusions and recommendations effectively to colleagues, teams, partners and collaborators through written reports and oral presentations at internal and external meetings.


• Contributes to the publication of scientific abstracts, posters, presentations, manuscripts and/or patent applications.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• MSc/PhD in a Biological Science, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or related field with 2 or more years of related experience in academia or pharmaceutical/biotech/CRO organization

Essential Requirements:

• Prior experience of digital pathology and performing image processing, segmentation, classification and analysis of tissue-based imaging data is critical.


• Shown experience using HALO and/or Visiopharm image analysis software


• Experience delivering computer vision/machine learning approaches using off-the-shelf image analysis software (e.g. QuPath, ImageJ), or applying programming skills (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB) for tailored solutions


• Knowledge of preclinical/clinical histopathology techniques such as H&E, IHC, multiplex IF & ISH is favorable.


• Experience designing, developing, implementing and validating computer vision,machine learning, deep learning & image analysis processes to address quantification questions within tissue images.


• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to handle several concurrent, fast-paced projects.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and adventurous world.



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 bold - 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 groundbreaking 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? We have one seat available, and we hope it's yours.



Where can I find out more?



Check out our landing page for more information on our BPD group https://careers.astrazeneca.com/bpd


Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/


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The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $113,836.00 - $170,754.00, either as annual base pay or as the hourly rate (annual base pay divided by 2080 hours)]. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.


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. Apply Now