Senior Scientist – Protein Design

Senior Scientist – Protein Design

Job Description 

Here at AstraZeneca you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. As one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease. As a Senior Scientist in the Early Infectious Disease Unit (Early ID) in Seattle, WA, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives.  

The Early ID team at AstraZeneca is discovering and developing novel vaccines and biologics targeting key viral pathogens.  We are consistently pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.  Our deep expertise in virology, bacteriology, immunology, and vaccines enables our ability to advance novel therapeutic approaches and technologies to prevent and treat infectious disease.  We have an industry-leading pipeline and offer a unique and strong collaborative network as part of the AstraZeneca family. 

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with broad expertise in machine learning and computational protein design, along with a demonstrated track record of scientific achievement, to join AstraZeneca Seattle team. As a key member of a growing, dynamic group, the qualified Senior Scientist will apply computational protein design throughout the drug discovery process to advance next-generation vaccines and therapeutics. The ideal candidate will be energized by driving projects forward, producing innovative proteins designed for impact, and collaborating across disciplines. AstraZeneca offers a dynamic, collaborative environment where exceptional scientist can grow and make a measurable impact on patients’ lives. 

Major responsibilities: 

• Perform a range of computational experiments to design and generate novel protein antigens, immunogens, binders, and antibodies that elicit prophylactic immunity or provide therapeutic benefit against clinically relevant pathogens 

• Develop, validate, and maintain novel computational pipelines based on various protein structure software (e.g., agentic, deep learning, generative models, structure prediction, docking, and molecular simulation) for protein antigen, binder and antibody design 

• Contribute to new concepts and methodologies in antigen design, protein nanoparticle scaffolding, multivalent display, epitope focusing, and other emerging vaccine technology modalities 

• Leverage structural biology (e.g., structure prediction, experimental-derived models), large-scale sequence datasets, and literature to guide design hypotheses and perform in silico experiments 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to translate computational designs into testable constructs and drive projects to successful completion 

• Make detailed observations, perform quantitative analyses, interpret results independently, and propose next-step experiments or model refinements based on in silico and in vitro readouts 

• Scout, evaluate, and integrate new algorithms, tools, and frameworks (e.g., protein language models, diffusion models, active learning) to improve design success rates and reduce cycle time 

• Preparation of precise technical summaries, protocols, quantitative analyses, and maintenance of appropriate documentation 

• Contribute to intellectual property by drafting invention disclosures and working with legal teams on patents related to computational design methods and novel constructs 

• Optimize use of compute resources 

• Oversee the day-to-day organization of different project-related components 

• Publishing of discoveries in high quality, peer-reviewed journals 

Requirements / Qualifications: 

• B.S. in Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Biophysics, Structural Biology or related scientific discipline with 4+ years of experience or

• M.S. in Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Biophysics, Structural Biology or related scientific discipline with 2+ years of experience or

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or related scientific discipline  

Specific skills: 

Broad experience required in machine learning, structural biology, and/or biochemistry techniques: 

• Up-to-date hands-on experience with state-of-the art computational protein design methods 

• Proficiency with deep learning models and agentic workflows for proteins (e.g., protein language models, diffusion/generative models, supervised learning for property prediction) 

• Hands-on experience with structure prediction and design (e.g., AlphaFold/ColabFold, Rosetta, ProteinMPNN, RFdiffusion), docking, and enhanced sampling 

• Extensive hands-on experience with the design, engineering, production, and characterization of protein antigens and/or other complex proteins 

• Extensive knowledge of protein structure and structural biology, including model building, analysis, and structure determination techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM 

• Experience with protein biochemistry techniques such as mammalian or bacterial recombinant protein expression, protein purification; and characterization techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, SEC-MALS, nanoDSF, etc. 

• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as gene synthesis, PCR, cloning, etc. 

• Strong Python (or similar) experience; software engineering practices (version control, testing, code review); scientific computing, data management and shared compute resource usage 

• Experience in training novel models for protein design and/or modeling is a plus 

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment 

• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while planning and meeting timelines 

• Proven track record of success in your research and experience preparing written scientific reports (e.g. manuscripts) and oral presentations (e.g. slides, posters) 

• Experience with drafting patents for protein-based inventions is a plus 

• Ability to multitask and prioritize numerous different projects 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Job complexity: Must be able to understand, conduct, and interpret results of technically challenging experiments with minimal supervision 

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience. 

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we connect across the whole business to power each function to better influence patient outcomes and improve their lives. We play an increasingly crucial role in driving disruptive transformation on our journey to becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. We bring together all parts of the business, as well as external partners, to drive efficiencies that enable us to succeed. We take data seriously and are driven by the impact we know we can have; our high ethical standards never slip. This is the place where innovation meets large-scale impact. We are continuously drawing on our existing and expanding knowledge, to adapt with the technology environment.  

Are you ready to rise to the challenge of shaping the future of an evolving business in the technology space? Apply now!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870.40 to $178,305.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.