Epidemiology & Real-World Science Intern

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca Canada is seeking a motivated master’s student for an eight‑month internship in Epidemiology and Real‑World Science. You will join the Epi‑RWS team, contributing to epidemiology initiatives across Hematology, Nephrology, and Neurology, and supporting clinical development, medical affairs and regulatory strategy.

The role requires strong epidemiologic training, data analysis skills (SAS, R, Python, SQL), and the ability to communicate findings clearly.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level epidemiology coursework and research design knowledge.
• Experience with literature searches (PubMed/Embase) and critical appraisal.
• Exposure to healthcare databases or real-world data sources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support epidemiology and real-world science activities across therapeutic areas.
• Develop descriptive epidemiologic analyses, study plans, and protocols.
• Critically evaluate publications and synthesize evidence summaries.
• Collaborate cross-functionally withClinical Development, Medical Affairs, Safety, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
• Present updates and findings to colleagues and stakeholders.

Skills

Epidemiology training

Data analysis (SAS, R, Python, SQL)

Literature evaluation

Study design knowledge

Communication & collaboration

Full-time availability Jan–Aug 2027

Education

Master’s degree in Epidemiology/Public Health (or related)

Tools

SAS

R

Python

SQL

Job description

8-month contract

Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Epidemiology & Real-World Science (Epi-RWS) team is seeking a motivated master’s-level student in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related discipline for a full-time, eight-month internship from January through August 2027.

The intern will join the Epi-RWS department supporting the Hematology, Nephrology, and Neurology Therapeutic Areas. As an integrated member of the team, the intern will contribute to epidemiology initiatives that inform clinical development, medical affairs and commercial planning, regulatory strategy, and product lifecycle management.

This opportunity is well suited to a student with a foundation in epidemiologic methods and study design, experience or interest in data analysis, and the ability to critically evaluate and communicate epidemiologic evidence.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Support therapeutic-area strategy: Contribute to epidemiology and real-world science activities across the Hematology, Nephrology, and Neurology therapeutic area, including selected short-term deliverables that advance the broader Epi-RWS strategy.
• Develop epidemiology analyses: Lead or support the development of descriptive epidemiologic analysis concepts, study plans, protocols, and related project documentation.
• Evaluate scientific evidence: Conduct structured literature searches and critically appraise epidemiologic publications on selected topics; synthesize findings into clear evidence summaries.
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Participate, alongside the lead Epidemiologist, in meetings with colleagues in Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Safety, Regulatory, Commercial, and other functions.
• Contribute to team activities: Maintain regular check-ins with the internship manager and participate actively in team meetings, discussions, and working sessions.
• Communicate insights: Present project updates, best practices, lessons learned, and key findings to Epi-RWS colleagues and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a closely related field and either returning to school following the internship or requiring the internship as a co-op or other academic placement necessary to graduate. Candidates should have an expected graduation date after August 2027, where applicable.
• Epidemiology training: Graduate-level coursework in epidemiology, including epidemiologic methods, observational research design, biostatistics, or data analysis. Experience with epidemiologic data analysis and programming languages or tools such as SAS, R, Python, or SQL is an asset.
• Literature evaluation: Experience conducting literature searches using databases such as PubMed or Embase and critically reviewing epidemiologic or health outcomes research.
• Study design knowledge: Familiarity with primary or secondary epidemiologic research, observational study designs, and the development of research concepts or protocols. Exposure to healthcare databases or large observational datasets, such as claims data, electronic health records, registries, or other real-world data sources, is an asset.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with enthusiasm for collaborative, cross-functional work and presenting to colleagues.
• Availability and working arrangement: Able to work full-time for the entire eight-month internship period, from January through August 2027, and participate in AstraZeneca’s hybrid working model, including working onsite at the Mississauga head office approximately two to three days per week, subject to business and team needs.

What you’ll Learn

As an Intern at AstraZeneca Canada you will have the opportunity to learn about various positions with AstraZeneca as you work cross-functionally with different parts of our business. Our purpose for this position is to ensure you gain key foundational knowledge that will complement your education through interesting work while leveraging valuable networking opportunities to expand your learning. You will be invited to attend various learning events including Town Halls, Industry Spotlight sessions, Science Matters presentations, employee engagement events as well as many others so you will be well-prepared and qualified for future positions with AstraZeneca.

We have a strong track record in developing and coaching interns to be successful for future positions at AstraZeneca. Join us and thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds come together to unlock the potential of what science can do!

About AstraZeneca Canada

At AstraZeneca, we are united by a common purpose – to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. This purpose underpins everything we do; our work helps to make hearts healthier, to help people breathe easier, and to help more people survive cancer. Every single day, we make a difference by delivering potentially life-changing medicines to millions of people worldwide and by leading breakthrough science that promises to transform the treatment of disease.

Our purpose is bold and so is our approach. Becoming a more agile and innovative company means creating a vibrant, dynamic culture where we celebrate entrepreneurial thinking and act quickly to inspire change. We are courageous, taking smart risks and learning from both success and failure. We are curious, creative, and open to new insights and ways of working. Above all, we are passionate about science and driven to always put patients first. Join us and be part of a great place to work; an environment that energizes and empowers each of us to achieve our goal to develop and deliver medicines.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through thesalaryrange over time as they progress in their role.

Annual base salary for this position ranges from 42,908.00 to 56,316.75.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs. In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role). Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.

We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.

This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.