Associate Director - Digital Proteomics and AI Innovation

AstraZeneca GmbH; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca's Centre for Genomics Research seeks a hands-on technical expert to advance AI-enabled proteomics workflows. You will work at the intersection of mass spectrometry, peptidomics and multi-omics data, designing scalable AI systems used by scientists.

The role emphasizes independent contribution, collaboration with scientific stakeholders, and translating complex data into practical analytical capabilities that accelerate discovery in cancer vaccine spaces.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in proteomics, bioinformatics, data science, or related field.
• Strong hands-on data science and software delivery experience in analytical/AI-enabled systems.
• Experience developing agentic AI workflows or AI systems for scientific data exploration.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-value workflow opportunities where AI can transform proteomic data exploration.
• Design, build, deploy and iterate AI-enabled systems integrated into scientific practice.
• Bring domain expertise in mass spectrometry, proteomics and peptidomics to shape data standards and analyses.
• Drive integrative analysis across proteomics, peptidomics, sequencing and metadata to generate insights.
• Collaborate with CGR informaticians and scientists to embed AI capabilities into scalable environments.
• Contribute technical expertise to scientific discussions and share knowledge with colleagues.

Skills

Proteomics

Data science

Agentic AI

Multidimensional data integration

Collaboration

Communication

Independent contributor

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Make a meaningful impactonpatients’ lives around theworld

At AstraZeneca, we are combining cutting edge science, data and artificial intelligence to transform how we discover and develop medicines. This role sits within the Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) and works in close collaboration with AstraZeneca Infectious Disease and Oncology, offering a unique opportunity to shape new digital and AI capabilities for the cancer vaccine space.

Based in CGR, you will sit at the intersection of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, immunopeptidomics and agentic AI — building the data foundations and intelligent systems that allow scientists to explore high-throughput proteomics, HLA-peptidomics, neoantigen discovery, genetic sequencing, transcriptomics and emerging molecular assays as a connected whole. This is a hands‑on technical role for someone who can combine deep proteomics expertise with the practical engineering judgement needed to design, deploy and scale AI systems that scientific users actually rely on.

What you’ll do

• Identify high-value workflow opportunities where agentic AI can transform how proteomic, peptidomic and multi-omic data are explored, integrated, interpreted and automated.
• Design, build, deploy and iterate AI-enabled systems — including agentic workflows — that are usable, maintainable and integrated into real scientific practice.
• Bring deep domain expertise in mass spectrometry, proteomics and peptidomics to shape data standards, analytical approaches and biological interpretation, with particular relevance to immunopeptidomics and neoantigen‑centric workflows.
• Drive integrative analysis across proteomics, peptidomics, sequencing, transcriptomics and experimental metadata to generate translational insight.
• Partner within informaticians, data and mass spectrometry scientists within CGR, and collaborate closely with scientific stakeholders in AstraZeneca Infectious Disease and Oncology, to embed AI capabilities into scalable, governed analytical environments.
• Contribute technical expertise to scientific discussions, sharing knowledge with colleagues and engaging with internal and external scientific communities.

Essential criteria

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in proteomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, data science, biostatistics, computer science or a related discipline.
• Deep expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and peptidomics, including a working understanding of experimental design, data characteristics, limitations and interpretation challenges.
• Strong hands‑on data science and software delivery experience, with a track record of building, deploying and maintaining analytical or AI‑enabled systems used by scientific teams.
• Demonstrated experience developing agentic AI workflows or advanced AI systems for scientific data exploration, interpretation or workflow automation.
• Proven ability to integrate and analyse multidimensional datasets spanning proteomics, peptidomics, sequencing, transcriptomics and associated metadata to generate biological insight.
• Ability to operate as an independent, hands‑on technical contributor — combining scientific judgement with pragmatic engineering and delivery.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of translating complex scientific and technical concepts into solutions that scientific and technical users adopt.

Desirable criteria

• Experience applying digital proteomics and AI-enabled approaches in oncology, immunology, cancer vaccines, immunopeptidomics or neoantigen discovery.
• Experience designing data foundations, ontologies, harmonised analytical environments or reusable AI capabilities for large-scale scientific research.
• Experience extending across additional omics modalities in partnership with domain specialists.
• Track record of innovation evidenced through deployed tools, software products, open-source contributions, peer‑reviewed publications or conference presentations in proteomics, peptidomics, AI or data science.

How we do it

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 in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.