Associate Principal Scientist – Genome Analytics, Centre for Genomics Research

Associate Principal Scientist – Genome Analytics, Centre for Genomics Research
Cambridge UK (on-site)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company 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 are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

Be part of the team where you are empowered to follow the science!

We’re seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to be part of ground-breaking research at the forefront of human and cellular genomics. In this role, you will contribute to the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) mission of integrating population and cellular genomics to uncover novel insights into disease biology.

Building on our milestone achievement of sequencing over 1 million human genomes, you will spearhead efforts to analyse and contribute to the design of some of the largest single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets to date. As a key member of the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR), you will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary group of bioinformaticians, genome scientists, software engineers, translational scientists, and disease area specialists to discover insights into the disease biology. Together, you will work to bridge genomic variation, disease risk, and cellular function. Your contributions will enable a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, drive the identification and validation of therapeutic targets, and ultimately advance drug development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement innovative, large-scale genomic analyses, including integrating data from population genetics and single-cell technologies to uncover novel insights into disease biology. 

• Develop and apply cutting-edge statistical models and tools to link multi-omics data types, including genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data. 

• Work with sophisticated phenotype data (e.g., electronic health records and clinical trials) to identify novel biological hypotheses and population subgroups. 

• Maintain a deep understanding of genomic science and stay at the forefront of technical advancements in the field. 

• Share your work with the global scientific community by presenting at top-tier genomics conferences and publishing in high-impact journals. 

• Communicate complex results to a range of audiences, including scientists and non-specialists. 

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree (or equivalent experience) in bioinformatics, human genetics, computational biology, statistical genetics, or a related field, with additional relevant scientific experience (e.g., postdoctoral position). 

• Substantial expertise analysing large-scale human genomics data. 

• Experience working with cellular genomics, such as single-cell transcriptomics, and integrating these datasets with population-scale genomics. 

• Knowledge of integrative statistical models to link multi-omics datasets. 

• Advanced computational skills including expertise in relevant analytical tools and data structures, and one or more programming languages (e.g., Python or R). 

• Strong communication skills and a proven ability to present complex data to diverse audiences. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-level scientific journals. 

• A strong understanding of, or interest in, how genomics can revolutionize drug discovery and development. 

Desirables:

• Experience applying genomics to drug discovery and development. 

• Proficiency in Unix environments and Bash scripting. 

• Familiarity with high-performance and/or cloud computing environments. 

• Experience curating and analysing electronic health data. 

In Office Requirement:

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.

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 methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey!

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.