Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery in Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, UK

About the Role

Are you ready to push the boundaries of science and transform the lives of patients living with cancer? We are seeking a highly motivated, independent Senior Scientist in AI/ML Computational Biology, with deep expertise in machine learning applied to biology, cellular therapy, immunology, and/or immuno‑oncology, to join our rapidly growing Cell Therapy team. In this role you will contribute to the advancement of innovative Cell Therapy products by developing advanced computational models using large‑scale omics datasets, designing and conducting laboratory experiments, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a highly collaborative environment. The role will be based in Cambridge, UK.

Accountabilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI‑driven machine learning and deep learning models to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data sources relevant to the development of new therapies.
• Contribute to the generation, understanding, and assessment of biological datasets related to functional cell biology assays and multi‑omic data to generate insights relevant to drug development in Cell Therapy.
• Assess and report data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments.
• Provide technical instruction to the team and work collaboratively in a matrix environment.
• Prepare and deliver presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions.
• Ensure own work, and the work of peers, are compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations.

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD in relevant disciplines or equivalent experience (e.g., Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science).
• Deep understanding of model training, evaluation, and deployment (e.g., classical ML, deep learning, time‑series, and multimodal integration), statistical methods, and reproducible workflows; hands‑on experience with model families such as graph neural networks, transformers, and probabilistic models for high‑dimensional biological data.
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or R; experience with UNIX‑based systems, high‑performance computing (e.g., SLURM), and large‑scale data management.
• Experience with single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics, bulk RNA‑seq, and integration of in‑vitro/in‑vivo datasets; ability to build robust pipelines and QC processes.
• Working knowledge of cell biology and tumor biology; interest in collaborating on in‑vitro studies and interpreting assays (e.g., cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine profiling, multiparameter flow cytometry).

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Hands‑on experience with in‑vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine profiling, and flow cytometry.
• Experience in drug development in an industry setting.

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. At AstraZeneca, you’ll be part of a global cross‑functional team that applies new knowledge and builds on diverse perspectives to keep learning. We foster a mindset of courage where everyone is empowered to innovate and work at pace. With one of the broadest Oncology pipelines in the industry, you’ll have opportunities to work with novel drugs and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide. Our commitment to patients and pioneering spirit are truly embedded in our values. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!

Salary: Negotiable