Job description
Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning & AI in Genomics
Cambridge, UK
Competitive Salary & Benefits
Meaningful Impact. Make a more meaningful contribution Impact patients’ lives every day
Make a more meaningful impact in your career, with greater ownership and accountability to make a contribution. And in return… we’re looking for people driven by making a difference to patients’ and society, dedicated to doing the right thing.
Be part of the team where you are empowered to follow the science
Join the team that follows the science unlike anywhere else. This is the place for curious minds. Dig deep into the biology of complex disease and uncover breakthroughs.
Our belief powers us to push the boundaries. As we improve success rates, we keep moving forward. Celebrating both successes and failures along the way.
What you’ll do
We have an opportunity for a talented Senior Data Scientist at the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) to be part of ground-breaking research at the forefront of human genomics. You will be part of a dynamic team in CGR’s multidisciplinary genomics research environment comprising bioinformaticians, computational biologists, genome scientists, software engineers, postdoctoral researchers, disease area specialists. You will also work closely with specialists in translational science, drug discovery, pre-clinical modelling, and clinical development. In this role you will be responsible for designing and implementing novel machine learning and deep learning methods applied to genomics. This includes identifying research problems that could be addressed through structured or unstructured, complex genomic data and developing appropriate models and analytical solutions.
Design and implement novel machine learning and deep learning methods to apply to genomics research questionsExtract research and/or business value from highly unstructured genomic data and metadata, including the ~500,000 UK Biobank resource
Work with engineering and architecture to support large scale data preparation, the optimisation of analytics platforms and the industrialisation of proven analytics methods
Coordinate and execute analyses within AstraZeneca’s Centre for Genomics Research
Deliver novel insights into the biology of disease, validation of new targets for medicines and the improvement of selection of patients for clinical trials
Assess the scientific & technical integrity of algorithms and tools within the analysis pipeline
Maintaining a well-developed knowledge of genomic science and technical advances in the international community
Present novel results to top tier genetics and/or machine learning conferences and publish in high impact journals
Collaborate to apply genomic analysis with discovery and development teams
Communicate results to a variety of audiences, technical and non-technical
Ensuring own work, and work of team, is compliant with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations
Essential Criteria
PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistical Genetics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline
Solid experience in developing learning methodologies and building robust production machine learning systems
Experience in large-scale data analysis and applied statistics in the area of Genomics
Strong programming skills. Solid experience in one or more languages (Python, R, C++) and in open-source ML packages (e.g. scikit-learn, TensorFlow/Keras/PyTorch)
Strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures
Ability to communicate effectively with team members and non-experts, both verbally and through documentation
High level understanding or interest in the potential of genomics to impact drug discovery
Ability to prioritize and problem-solve
Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work within a team in a quickly evolving environment
Track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-level scientific journals
Passion for applying machine learning to the life sciences domain
Desirable Criteria
Previous experience in a similar role
Experience in Unix environments and Bash scripting
Experience in high performance and/or cloud computing
Experience in analysing other omics data (e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
Familiarity working on genomics studies involving one of AstraZeneca’s core therapeutic areas
Pioneer a new future to meet global healthcare challenges
At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.
So, what’s next?
Complete your application before the below closing date.
This role is open from 13 October 2021 and we welcome your application no later than 12 November 2021
Where can I find out more?
Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
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