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- Tasks: Design and maintain ontologies to enhance data integration and quality across teams.
- Company: AstraZeneca is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative medicines for serious diseases.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with a competitive salary and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug development while collaborating with diverse teams and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in relevant fields and experience with ontology tools and data governance.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic office environment three days a week, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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Location: Macclesfield, UK or Gothenburg, SE (3 days 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.
Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!
Are you ready to make a positive impact in a team where it means more? We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Ontology Specialist to join our PT&D Governance team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing capability within PT&D focused on data. As an Associate Director, Data Curator, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining ontologies and taxonomies across PT&D. Collaborating closely with business and technology teams, you will drive improvements in the understanding and quality of our data. Are you up for the challenge?
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain ontologies and taxonomies to support data integration across PT&D. Collaborate with data scientists, chemists and biologists to ensure ontologies meet cross-functional needs.
- Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into structured data formats for use in data models and real-time analytics tools. Collaborate with information architects and technical teams from other groups.
- Develop and promote standards for data interoperability (RDF, OWL, SKOS, SHACL) to facilitate seamless data exchange and integration within PT&D, across AZ business functions, and with external partners.
- Ensure high data quality and consistency by implementing quality checks and validation rules for ontology-driven systems and processes.
- Use of ontology development and data curation tools such as RDF/GitHub, Protégé and Neo4j to design, build, maintain and visualise ontologies. Understanding of enterprise data modelling tools such as IDERA E/R Studio and data catalogue tools such as Collibra.
- Use of ontology development and data curation tools such as Progress Semaphore to design, build and maintain taxonomies, controlled vocabularies and collections.
- Deliver training and support for end-users to enhance the utilisation of ontology tools and platforms. Assist in solving critical data challenges using ontology-based solutions.
- Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in leading and governing controlled vocabularies, taxonomies, ontologies and enterprise knowledge management. Encourage innovation by proposing new approaches or technologies to improve data handling.
- Support the development of knowledge graphs and graph databases within PT&D.
- Work closely with collaborators across departments to gather requirements and ensure that ontological solutions align with business objectives and scientific goals. Explain and promote the use of ontologies for AI-Powered Drug Development.
- Collaboration with the Data Governance lead to evolve the ontology strategy and explain the benefits of ontologies to deliver value from data.
- Remain informed about industry-standard ontologies while thoroughly reviewing existing internal ontologies and decision frameworks to ensure alignment and informed adoption of standards.
- Adapt to rapid changes due to the introduction of automated tools and large language models (LLMs) and automation, anticipating significant evolution in responsibilities over the coming years.
Essential Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Management or possibly field area (R&D, Finance, HR etc) and cross-trained or equivalent number of years of experience.
- Technology Knowledge: Familiarity with industry standard ontology concepts, including RDF, OWL, SKOS, SHACL.
- Use of at least one industry standard methodology and toolset such as RDF/GitHub, Protégé, and Neo4j.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills to translate, promote and embed Data Governance and Data Standards ensuring buy-in across a large scale and diverse organisation
- Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying issues, analysing situations, and developing effective solutions within the scope of data policy and governance.
- Experience in working in multi-skilled, multi-location data teams, working to agile principles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, and consultancy skills
Desirables
- Domain data understanding: the structure, provenance, and meaning of the source data crucial to the domain.
- Enterprise Data Management: Experience in data governance, data quality, and data architecture.
- Technology Knowledge: Data technologies, including databases, data lakes, and data warehousing solutions, and tools for data visualization and reporting.
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.
Competitive Salary And Benefits Package On Offer.
Date Posted
08-Aug-2025
Closing Date
22-Aug-2025
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.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Business Development and Sales
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Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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Associate Director, Ontology Specialist employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Ontology Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the biopharmaceutical industry, especially those who work with ontologies and data management. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in ontology development.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's current projects and initiatives related to data integration and ontology. This knowledge will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with online communities and forums focused on ontology and data governance. Sharing your insights and learning from others can enhance your understanding and showcase your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific tools and methodologies you've used in ontology development, such as RDF, OWL, and Protégé. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Ontology Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Associate Director, Ontology Specialist position at AstraZeneca. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and essential requirements, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with ontology development, data management, and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description, such as RDF, OWL, and Neo4j. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with AstraZeneca's mission and values, particularly in relation to patient-focused biopharmaceuticals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Understand Ontology Concepts
Make sure you have a solid grasp of ontology concepts like RDF, OWL, and SKOS. Be prepared to discuss how these can be applied in real-world scenarios, especially in the context of data integration and management.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as data scientists and biologists. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated to meet shared goals and improve data quality.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in data governance or ontology development. Explain your thought process in identifying issues and the steps you took to develop effective solutions.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in ontology and data management. Being able to discuss current trends and how they could impact AstraZeneca's work will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.