Senior Scientist, Bioinformatics (Translational Science & Experimental Medicine) at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Job Description:

Senior Scientist, Bioinformatics (Translational Science & Experimental Medicine)




Introduction to role:



We are looking for an experienced statistical geneticist to join our Data Science & Bioinformatics team. You will be part of the Translational Science and Experimental Medicine (TSEM) department in the Respiratory and Immunology therapeutic area. As a department, we promote an open and collaborative atmosphere, with a culture that is both science-based and patient-focused. Our mission is to understand disease mechanisms at the molecular level, identify the most effective targets, and the right patient populations.



Accountabilities:



In this role, you will work in a highly cross-functional and thriving environment together with specialists in sequencing, immunological and respiratory disease, as well as with other data science & bioinformatics experts.


We are looking for an outstanding bioinformatician that has experience in bringing actionable insight from large genomic cohorts to deliver precision medicine proposals. This will be done through integration of genomic data with other omic datasets (proteomics, transcriptomics) to understand disease biology. The relevance of the findings will be established through further integration with clinical and real-world evidence data.


You will contribute to the computational biology and genomic strategies and be responsible for the design, refinement, application, and interpretation of novel approaches to analyze large-scale genomics data accompanied by rich biomarker, phenotype, and disease case/control data available through clinical trials or biobank collections. By applying these powerful statistical methods, you will maximize the knowledge extrapolated from our growing genomics data in complex diseases impacting the project progression and future treatment options for patients with unmet medical needs.



Essential Skills/Experience:

• Master's degree in bioinformatics, data science, statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, or another similar subject area with 2+ years of industry experience or a PhD in bioinformatics, data science, statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, or another similar subject area with 1+ years of industry experience.
  
  


• Expertise in large-scale genomic and phenotypic data analysis to analyze causal variants and derive biological insight (e.g., QTL analysis, pathway analysis, Mendelian randomization, and others). You will be responsible for designing and performing analysis, interpretation, and communication of results.
  
  


• Excellent coding skills in Python, R, or similar language appropriate for large-scale genomics analysis and experience with version control (Git/Bitbucket).
  
  


• Solid understanding of life sciences and how omics data can be used to derive biological insight.
  
  


• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, both with experts and non-experts, and with peers as well as stakeholders is expected. Our team is a collaborative group, so the ability to be comfortable working in a goal-oriented way, with a team-focused approach is central to being successful in the role.
  
  


• A high degree of independence and a proactive and delivery-focused approach.
  
  

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience in pharmaceutical R&D and/or Post-doc experience.
  
  


• Molecular understanding of human diseases, patient stratification, and biomarker-based endpoint generation, preferentially in respiratory and immunological disorders.
  
  


• Track record of applying bioinformatic analysis to drive projects in drug discovery or development in an industrial or academic setting.
  
  


• Broad experience applying machine learning methods such as random forests, clustering, dimensionality reduction in a systems biology or systems medicine context.
  
  


• Working in a Linux environment, ideally with experience of cluster or cloud computing (e.g., AWS or Azure).
  
  


• Experience leading projects with internal groups/external collaborators and working within cross-functional teams.
  
  


• Experience applying your understanding of life sciences and how omics data can be used to derive biological insight across different phases of pharmaceutical discovery and development.
  
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash 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 ambitious world.


AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive alongside a community of highly qualified and motivated scientists. We foster continuous knowledge sharing and constructive critique to push our science forward. Our supportive yet challenging approach ensures that every setback is seen as an opportunity to improve, driving us towards groundbreaking solutions that make a tangible difference for patients worldwide.


Ready to make a difference? We are accepting applications through November 21st. Apply today to join our team!


The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $108,778 to $163,167. 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