Senior Data Scientist

AstraZeneca; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca Frederick Manufacturing Center is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to drive insights using statistical, ML, and AI methods. You will manipulate data, build models, and present findings to Biologics Operations, blending hands‑on analytics with operations experience.

The role emphasizes mentoring, engaging with business users, and leading AI pilots while delivering impactful analytics across dashboards and reports using AWS, Dataiku, and Power BI.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years (or 1+ with Masters) implementing data engineering/science in operations.
• 3+ years (or 1+ with Masters) experience with operations database programming.
• Understanding of relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Data Familiarization: understand AZ data sources, their quality and structure.
• Data Preparation: use SQL and Python to prepare data for analysis.
• Machine Learning: apply ML to translate business problems into models.
• Insight Communication: explain complex methods to non‑technical audiences.
• BI & Reporting: design dashboards and data models for business insights.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

AI/Generative AI awareness

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or related field

Tools

SQL

Python

AWS

Snowflake

SharePoint

Job description

Our Frederick Manufacturing Center (FMC) creates life-changing medicines for people around the world and has been recognized by our local community as being a Top 50’ Business in Frederick and awarded Frederick County’s ‘Best Place to Work’. This distinctive biologic manufacturing facility, with over 800 employees, plays a direct role in treating patients with cancer, respiratory diseases, and autoimmune conditions globally.

At FMC, we are committed to delivering life-changing medicines while also creating a workplace where people feel valued and connected. From catered site events and friendly competitions to community outreach, environmental and wellness programs, and team-building activities, we make time to celebrate achievements and recognize the diversity of our workforce. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning through ongoing skill development and training opportunities for our employees.

Driven by our ambition to accelerate growth, improve patients’ lives, and shape the future of AstraZeneca Operations, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team.

This role is on site 5 days per week (Monday through Friday)

The Senior Data Scientist will drive business insights by leveraging statistical, machine learning, and AI methodologies. Key responsibilities include manipulating and preparing structured and unstructured data, developing advanced modeling algorithms, and presenting insights to stakeholders while articulating their implications. This role involves direct engagement with business users to understand their challenges, develop analytics strategies, and deliver value to the Biologics Operations unit. The ideal candidate will blend hands‑on operational experience with computational science skills, strong communication abilities, and experience in applying data science within an operations environment. Additionally, the Senior Data Scientist will mentor junior team members and champion the application of data science and its potential.

Job Responsibilities

Business Engagement and Strategy

• Relationship Building: Establish strong working relationships with Biologics Operations to develop an in-depth understanding of business needs.
• Problem Translation: Translate unstructured, complex business problems into appropriate model and algorithm solutions.
• Operational Understanding: Leverage sufficient knowledge of the operations domain to work independently with relevant data sources, systems, and tools, and gain credibility with the business.

Data Science and Analytics

• Data Familiarization: Develop a robust understanding of relevant AZ data sources, including their quality and structure.
• Data Preparation: Utilize data manipulation and preparation skills, including SQL and Python, to prepare data for analysis.
• Machine Learning: Apply experience in machine learning to translate business problems into appropriate modeling solutions.
• Insight Extraction: Hands‑on experience of interrogating real‑world datasets to gain actionable insights.
• Communication: Explain complex methods and techniques to non‑technical audiences.

Business Intelligence and Reporting

• Report Development: Design, develop, and optimize high‑performing dashboards using AWS, Dataiku, and Power BI.
• Report Design: Develop complex customer‑centered BI applications, dashboards, and scorecards using Human Centered Design principles.
• Data Model Configuration: Configure complex BI data models to optimize efficiency.
• User Support: Provide expert‑level support and training for users on BI applications and visualizations.
• Design Alternatives: Communicate BI software limitations and propose supportable design alternatives.

AI Leadership and Adoption

• AI Adoption and Implementation: Champion the evaluation and adoption of new AI methods and tools. Lead pilots, proof‑of‑concept projects, and experimentation with generative AI, chatbots, and other advanced analytics technologies.
• AI Insights Generation: Design and evaluate small AI models or prototypes that address specific business challenges, integrating them with current processes when practical.
• Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Engage with industry forums, internal working groups, and cross‑functional teams to share AI learnings and best practices across the entire site.
• Continuous AI Learning: Stay up to date on developments in AI and look for relevant trends or techniques that could benefit department projects.

In Addition, Employees Will Be Expected To Demonstrate

• Innovation: Show strong innovation skills by proactively seeking creative solutions and driving continuous improvements.
• Technology Adaptability: Lead efforts to adopt and implement appropriate technologies while maintaining a proactive attitude toward learning new tools.
• Project Delivery & Analysis: Utilize experience in project delivery and business analysis to effectively identify and address business needs.
• Team Participation: Actively contribute to the Business Systems and Biologics Operations delivery POD team, benefiting from and supporting the development of Data Science capabilities.
• Mentorship: Offer guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering their growth and development.
• Agile & SCRUM Expertise: Apply Agile and SCRUM methodologies to ensure effective project management and timely delivery of results.
• Communication & Facilitation: Demonstrate excellent communication and facilitation skills, working collaboratively with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Compliance: Uphold company values and adhere to the Code of Conduct and relevant policies and standards in all activities.
• Training & Reporting: Ensure timely completion of required training, report potential compliance issues, and adhere to all policy and standard requirements.
• Collaboration & Tools Proficiency: Be proficient in modern software engineering practices and tools, such as GitHub, Slack, and Jira, to support collaboration and productivity.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or related field
• 3 years+ or 1+ with Masters experience with practical examples of success in implementing data engineering or data science, or
• 3 years+ or 1+ experience with operations database programming.
• Understanding of relational databases is required.

Desired Requirements

• Masters in Computer Science / Data Science
• Custom Application development experience in a highly regulated field is preferred
• Proficient skills across multiple applications is preferred
• Experience in SharePoint, AWS, Snowflake, SQL, and Python is preferred

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $124,713.60 - $187,070.40 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short‑term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at‑will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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.