At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and apply innovative mathematical models for drug development and clinical strategies.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company at the forefront of medical innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care through cutting-edge modelling in drug development.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in predictive modelling for drug development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: The Discovery Center (DISC), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK
Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits!
Introduction to the role:
Are you ready to turn mechanistic models into dose and schedule strategies that protect patients and accelerate development? Join a team of specialist modelers who operate with high visibility and real decision‑making influence, shaping clinical strategy across therapy areas. Based at our Discovery Centre in Cambridge, UK, you will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment spanning non‑clinical and clinical phases.
About the role:
The Systems Medicine group is seeking a Systems Modeler passionate about using mathematical and computational skills to develop and apply empirical and/or mechanistic models of Pharmacology and Toxicology. The group is under Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology Department and consists of ~20 mathematical modelers with backgrounds in applied biomathematics, computational biology, and/or biomedical/chemical engineering. Working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment the successful candidate will support projects in both non‑clinical and clinical phases. The candidate will develop and apply pharmacological mechanistic systems models to contribute to decisions on dose regimens by balancing efficacy and safety via modelling & simulation based on the understanding of the mechanism of action of investigational drugs. The role will include opportunities to develop and apply Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) and Toxicology (QST) models, including incorporation of virtual populations to support translational decision‑making and dose/schedule addition. The incumbent will develop QSP&T models based on micro‑physiological systems (organ‑on‑chips and organoids).
To succeed in this role, we believe you have drug development experience and you are a person who enjoys working collaboratively with a variety of key stakeholders and collaborators to identify opportunities, build support and deliver innovative modelling and simulation solutions. Experience or exposure in modalities such as immune cell engagers, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), and radioconjugates (RCs) would be valuable.
Main responsibilities:
- Create, expand or refine mathematical models to address drug‑discovery and non‑clinical/clinical development questions.
- Lead compound‑specific projects with hands‑on analysis by choosing the best modelling approach to address questions.
- Contribute to the design, execution, and interpretation of clinical studies.
- Develop and apply clinical QSP&T models, including virtual population approaches, to support prediction of efficacy, safety, and dose regimens in clinical development.
- Test and adopt existing modelling platforms.
- Review modelling work by colleagues, ensuring high‑quality standards.
- Contribute to AZ drug development with innovative ideas.
- Stay informed with emerging literature and science in modelling and simulation sciences, including developments in clinical QSP&T models, virtual populations, and digital twin approaches.
- Collaborate well within the Systems Medicine group and cross‑functional teams.
- Guide junior modelers.
- Represent AZ by publication, podium presentations, and/or organization of symposia.
Essential requirements:
- PhD or similar degree in chemical, mechanical or biomedical engineering, physics, applied mathematics or related field.
- Experience working in the industry and postdoctoral experience in building, validating, and using predictive mechanistic mathematical models for drug development (ideally, 4 years of experience).
- At least 3 published papers.
- Excellent understanding of theory, principles and statistical aspects of mathematical modelling and simulation, including numerical methods, parameterisation and ODEs.
- Knowledge of models of biological pathways/systems to support translational research.
- Hands‑on knowledge of modelling with ODEs, agent‑based modelling, statistical and/or machine‑learning modelling, etc.
- Aptitude and experience to influence decisions and experimental design by using available data and appropriate modelling solutions.
- Self‑directed, independent, and highly‑motivated researcher who excels in a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment.
- Evidence of identifying, developing, and applying innovative solutions to scientific and technological problems faced in systems and predictive modelling.
- Familiarity with the challenges of drug discovery and forward thinking with respect to the general application of mathematical models in drug discovery and development.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with scientists in other subject areas with a positive and collaborative attitude.
- Experience with data analysis tools and languages such as Matlab and/or Python.
- Ability to learn new areas of biological sciences and build on a solid foundation of quantitative skills to develop models.
- Ability to keep up to date with and propose the implementation of scientific and technological developments.
- Ability to interact across pre‑clinical and clinical teams.
- Ability to keep up with new modelling approaches and propose implementation of scientific and technological developments in the areas of QSP&T.
- Experience in linking QSP&T and pharmacokinetics to predict safe and efficacious doses.
- Experience or demonstrated exposure to clinical‑stage QSP modelling, ideally including use of virtual populations to characterize variability and support clinical decision‑making.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Exposure to current principles and concepts in DMPK, Toxicology and Safety.
- Experience with PK, PKPD, TKTD modelling and joint longitudinal modelling tools or any other relevant software.
- Familiarity with the challenges of drug discovery and forward thinking with respect to the general application of mathematical models in discovery and development.
- Evidence of identifying, developing, and applying innovative solutions to scientific and technological problems faced in systems and predictive modelling.
- Experience with clinical QSP&T applications in oncology or related therapeutic areas.
- Experience incorporating virtual populations using mechanistic models.
- Exposure to digital twin concepts or approaches in clinical/translational modelling.
- Experience or familiarity with immune cell engagers, ADCs, radioconjugates (RCs) and/or micro‑physiological system data analysis.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Associate Director, Systems Medicine in England employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Cambridge. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry through cutting-edge research and AI integration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Systems Medicine in England
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like AstraZeneca. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like AstraZeneca!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Systems Medicine in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show AstraZeneca that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at AstraZeneca.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that AstraZeneca does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at AstraZeneca. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into AstraZeneca's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at AstraZeneca. This shows your passion for the industry!
