Senior Scientist - Drug Discovery (AI/ML)

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 119,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Gaithersburg, MD invites a Senior Scientist to join our Cell Therapy Discovery team. You will apply computational biology to cellular therapy, immunology and immuno-oncology, building AI-driven models from large omics datasets and guiding experiments across teams.

You will design and execute computational experiments, interpret complex data, and present integrated insights that drive project decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, or Computational Biology.
• Experience with omics datasets and AI methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct discovery research experiments independently.
• Develop AI models to extract insights from omic data.
• Interpret data and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with AstraZeneca standards and regs.

Skills

Python

R

AI/ML

T-cell assays

Education

PhD in relevant disciplines

Tools

UNIX

SLURM

HPC

Omics data processing

Single-cell transcriptomics

Job description

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

Location: Gaithersburg, MD USA

This Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Scientist/Sr. Scientist with demonstrated experience and expertise in Computational Biology applied to 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 omic datasets, designing and conducting laboratory experiments, and generating and interpreting scientific data in a highly collaborative environment. The role will be based in Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

Accountabilities

• Plans, conducts, and troubleshoots discovery research experiments independently.
• Assesses and reports data with a clear understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery, independently formulate conclusions, and determine future experiments
• 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.
• Provides technical instruction to the team and allocates administrative work where possible
• Works collaboratively in a matrix environment
• Prepares and delivers presentations within the Cell Therapy Unit and across other functions
• Ensures own work, and work of peers, are compliant with relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations

Education and Experience

• PhD in relevant disciplines or equivalent experience (e.g. Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Cellular Therapy, Immunology, Immuno-Oncology, Computational Biology, and/or Data Science

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Python and/or R Prior experience in UNIX-based systems, high-performance computing (e.g. SLURM), and large-scale data management
• Expertise in omics technologies, and capable of processing large-scale biological datasets (e.g. single cell/spatial transcriptomics, in-house proprietary data sources such as in vitro or in vivo data)
• Deep understanding of AI, predictive modelling, and statistical methods applied to training of machine learning models
• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays such as in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine measurement, and multi-parameter flow cytometry
• Ability and motivation to drive projects to completion in a team environment

Desirable Skills

• Experience in drug development in an industry setting

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods, and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next!

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870.40 - $178,305.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted 22-Oct-2026

Closing Date 20-Nov-2026

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.