Postdoctoral Fellow: systems modelling of single-cell multi-omics

Postdoctoral Fellow: systems modelling of single-cell multi-omics

The Discovery Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Are you passionate about applying quantitative skills in life sciences and want to contribute to development of new medicines? Do you have expertise in mathematical modelling, AI/ML and analysis of complex, high-dimensional and multi-modal data? Are you curious how your skillset and curiosity can push the boundaries of science and make a difference in patients’ lives? Then AstraZeneca might be the right place for you!      

In this exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position, you will research and develop novel computational tools to uncover gene-regulatory networks to predict the effect of drug-induced perturbations in Advanced Cell Models/New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Advanced Cell Models (ACM), such as organoids and Microphysiological Systems (MPS), are New Approach Methods (NAMs) being used for safety assessment and to study disease biology. We are playing a leading role in the field to apply ACM to drug discovery and development, in particular to predict and optimise therapeutic index for novel candidate drugs.

This project is supported by the Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences (CPSS) group in the Biopharmaceutical R&D function that works across all of AstraZeneca’s therapy areas from early-stage drug discovery to late-stage clinical development. Within CPSS, various departments including Safety Sciences and Quantitative Pharmacology  work together to provide clinical insights derived from high-quality experimental data combined with advanced quantitative models. 

This project will involve development of cutting-edge computational tools for mechanistic investigation of drug effects on gene-regulatory networks by dynamic modelling of single-cell data (such as -omics) derived from MPS/organ-on-chips. The Postdoc will collaborate with experienced interdisciplinary scientists and an field‑leading academic group to develop novel tools by combining AI/ML methods, single-cell omics analysis, and quantitative systems pharmacology/toxicology methods. These tools will be utilised to develop optimal treatments with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity by uncovering biological insights    

Supported by Rhiannon David, Senior Director, Head of Advanced Cell Models for Safety Sciences, and Aydar Uatay, an Associate Director in the Systems Medicine team, at AstraZeneca, you will also receive academic mentorship and guidance from Xiaojie Qiu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Genetics and Department of Computer Science at Stanford University.

The Postdoc will conduct ground-breaking research using a combination of machine learning and dynamic modelling of multi-modal data including scRNA/CITE-seq and flow cytometry. Derived from bone marrow MPS, the data and newly developed computational tools for processing them, will be used to uncover mechanisms of drug effects. Along with methods to analyse single-cell omics data, the postdoc will develop a hybrid systems model integrating AI/ML with quantitative systems pharmacology & toxicology methods.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research and develop innovative computational tools and approaches for modelling scRNA/CITE-seq data

• Lead and drive the project under the supervision and collaboration of cross-functional teams within AstraZeneca and with the academic expert.

• Communicate results internally and externally through publications and presentations. 

Essential criteria:

• Strong academic background with PhD in Mathematics, Computer/Data Science, Bioinformatics, Physics or a related field

• Demonstrated experience in mathematical modelling, AI/ML, ODEs

• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, R)

• Positive, collaborative & team-oriented with a desire to learn and apply new skills.

Our Postdoc programme is aimed at individuals with a strong publication record who are either:

• Within 4-years of obtaining their doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD) – PhD already awarded, or

• Students, soon to obtain doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience working with high-dimensional, bioinformatic datasets (e.g. single-cell omics)

• Interest and/or experience in applying quantitative skills in life sciences. 

• Solid knowledge of mathematical statistics, numerical analysis, and optimization.     

You will work with an industry-leading groups in NAMs and systems pharmacology modelling, supported by a pioneering academic expert in modelling of omics data. You will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment of a pharmaceutical industry and contribute to development of transformative therapeutics. You will be able to apply your talents and knowledge to push the boundaries of multiple fields of science and be on the bleeding edge of pharmaceutical science.

AZ’s Postdoc Programme: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/postdocs-astrazeneca

Life at AstraZeneca: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/life-at-astrazeneca

This is what we’re made of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmFx_jr2eFo&t=2s

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Date Posted

13-Apr-2026

Closing Date

28-Apr-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.