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Associate Principal Scientist – Biologics AI Innovation

Location Waltham, Massachusetts, United States Job ID R-230894 Date posted 06/07/2025

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Associate Principal Scientist to drive Biologics AI innovation at AstraZeneca’s US R&D centers in Waltham, MA or Gaithersburg, MD. This pivotal leadership role will focus on integrating state-of-the-art artificial intelligence with wet-lab discovery, enabling synergistic advances in biologics engineering. You will work collaboratively across computational and experimental functions, influence the direction of AI-driven research, and champion the seamless collection and translation of high-quality data for the design of next-generation biotherapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Principal Scientist, your main responsibilities will be:

  • Lead and design AI strategies for biologics discovery and engineering, with a focus on AI–wet lab integration and accelerated translation of computational findings to experiments.

  • Oversee and guide the development of innovative models, including protein language models, structure prediction models, de novo protein design, and multi-modal approaches combining sequence, structure, and biological activity data.

  • Act as a scientific bridge and champion for cross-functional collaboration between AI scientists and wet-lab teams within the US, and in close alignment with global teams.

  • Drive the generation, curation, and utilization of high-quality wet-lab data; provide actionable feedback to experimental teams for optimizing data production for ML applications.

  • Evaluate, recommend, and implement emerging technologies, adopting best practices in data science, computational biology, and protein engineering to ensure world-class innovation and delivery.

  • Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership in biologics AI, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team environment.

  • Communicate progress, challenges, and strategy to stakeholders at all levels, contributing to strategic decision-making and representing the team in internal and external collaborations.

  • Author scientific publications, contribute to intellectual property, and serve as an ambassador for AstraZeneca in the external scientific community through presentations and collaborations.

Required Qualifications

  • Master and 2+ years experience or Phd and 0+ years of experience in mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline, with substantial academic or industry experience in the application of AI/ML to biological problems.

  • Deep expertise and hands-on track record in developing and deploying machine learning and deep learning models for protein sequence and structure analysis, biologics design, or related fields.

  • Demonstrated experience in leading initiatives that combine computational modeling with experimental biology, ideally in a therapeutics or biopharmaceutical setting.

  • Strong programming and analytical skills, including proficiency with Python and major AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.

  • Familiarity with large-scale data engineering, cloud computing, and FAIR data principles.

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with proven success in cross-functional environments and multi-site collaborations.

  • Demonstrable record of scientific innovation, as evidenced by publications, patents, or successful project delivery in biologics discovery or engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with structural informatics, structural biology, or structure-based rational design.

  • Experience with molecular dynamic simulation and structure modeling.

  • Experience with multi-modal learning, agentic AI, or the integration of heterogeneous biological data formats.

  • Prior leadership, mentoring, or line management experience in industrial or academic R&D.

  • Recognized presence in the external scientific community through publications, conference presentations, or collaborations.

Why Join Us?

As part of AstraZeneca’s dynamic US biologics R&D community, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of AI-driven biologics discovery and engineering. Collaborating across cutting-edge computational and experimental teams, you’ll drive innovation that brings transformative medicines to patients around the world. You will be supported by a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering environment, with unparalleled opportunities for scientific impact and personal growth.

Date Posted

07-Jul-2025

Closing Date

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.

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Glassdoor logo Rated four stars on Glassdoor

Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.