Director, Computational Biology, Oncology Data Science, Oncology R&D

Director, Computational Biology, Oncology Data Science, Oncology R&D

Gaithersburg, MD or Cambridge UK

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're proud to have a unique workplace culture that inspires innovation and collaboration.

Innovate and Push the Boundaries of Science in Oncology R&D

Join a dedicated Oncology team that’s growing fast and building a strong track record of success. Our pioneering approach is identifying and treating patients earlier, focusing on early stage cancer trials and listening and evolving based on their needs. As a team we are deeply committed to transforming the lives of patients living with cancer – with the ultimate aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death. There’s no better place to make an impact – here we are uniquely placed with the funding, the ambition and the bravery to make it happen.

This Opportunity

The Computational Biology group drives high-impact cancer research projects and delivers data-driven, actionable insights through the application of computational science to all areas of AstraZeneca's Oncology portfolio. The group is embedded in the Oncology Data Science department and has extensive expertise and has a track record in computational oncology and data science, undertaking both portfolio applied informatics research and the development of cutting edge capabilities.

AstraZeneca is a company that always follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines. Oncology Data Science plays a unique role in driving discovery and translation by leading the adoption of computational/data driven approaches to all aspects of the drug discovery process. If this sounds like a role you are excited about, AstraZeneca might be the place for you!

What you’ll do

The Computational Biology team is undergoing expansion to meet the strategic opportunities at AZ Oncology. We are looking for a Director of Computational Oncology to lead our efforts of deriving integrated predictive models for the understanding of the biological mechanisms of response and resistance to treatment, across therapy areas using ex vivo patient multi-omic data. This is a rare opportunity to lead and develop our strategic approaches in the cross-sections between computational biology, discovery sciences and translational oncology in a highly matrixed collaborative project. The ideal candidate will have proven academic or industry leadership in the computational oncology field with an outstanding track record leading independent programmes. The successful execution of this role will impact the wider AZ oncology community, and our patients through discovery of biomarkers to inform drug combination and patient selection strategies, discovery of potential novel oncology targets and further our knowledge of cancer biology and evolution. To do this you will:

• Develop the computational strategy and lead a matrixed team of highly qualified computational scientists to deliver integrated predictive models using preclinical, ex-vivo and clinical multi-omic data
• Partner closely with leaders across Translational Medicine and Bioscience to establish a data science strategy that facilitates back-translation by discovery of novel target and/or prediction of drug combinations.
• Use your expertise in cancer biology/drug discovery to deliver actionable insights that impact the development of the next generation of cancer medicines.
• Form effective collaborations with industry and academic leaders in the field, to develop AZ’s IP and/or publish AZ’s work in high impact journals.

Essential requirements for the role

• Relevant PhD (or equivalent graduate degree plus proven applied experience), combining technical expertise in computational/systems biology, bioinformatics or applied biostatistics.
• Experienced leader of successful computational biology programmes in an academic or industry setting
• Significant experience in genomic biomarker analyses in oncology clinical studies
• Deep knowledge of cancer genetics and algorithmic and statistical methods applicable to cancer genomics.
• Highly attuned communication skills and extensive experience of leading a team or a matrix team in coordinating efforts and responsibilities of project goals.
• The ability to coordinate and pursue multiple simultaneous projects to tight deadlines.
• R and/or Python programming expertise in a Unix environment making use of high-performance computing environments.
• Experience of graph modelling, machine learning, artificial-intelligence, Bayesian analytics or other non-traditional approaches to model biological data.

Desirable requirements for the role:

• Outstanding publication record.
• Well connected to a wide network of bioinformatics and oncology communities.

So, what’s next?

Are you already envisioning yourself joining our team? Good! We can’t wait to hear from you!

If you’re curious to know more, please contact Bobbi Poole, our Talent Acquisition Partner.

Closing Date: August 7, 2023

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

Where can I find out more?

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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.