Senior Scientist in Molecular Simulation for Drug Discovery

Are you a skilled scientist with deep experience in molecular simulation for drug discovery? Do you want to make a difference in the development of an emerging novel category of therapeutics and can you imagine yourself contributing to life-changing science? Join us and demonstrate your scientific expertise, high ambition, and enthusiasm to shape the future of AstraZeneca's macromolecular therapeutic modalities, offering you an outstanding opportunity for impact and growth!

We are now recruiting a Senior Scientist, with a true passion for molecular simulation and drug design, to join the Molecular AI Department, within Discovery Sciences at AstraZeneca. This role is located at our vibrant R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Our Discovery Sciences function, within BioPharma R&D, has a mission to apply world-leading expertise to support the identification of quality targets, hits, leads, and drug candidates that will be safe and efficacious in the clinic.

The Molecular AI department drives the science, builds platforms and together with disease area experts, impacts the project portfolio through applying artificial intelligence and physics-based methods to drug design. We have produced high-quality scientific work released as open-source and built the industry-leading platforms REINVENT for deep learning based molecular de novo design, AiZynth for synthetic route prediction, and Maize to execute complex high-throughput computational chemistry workflows reliably.

What you will do?

In this role, you will have a profound impact on the AstraZeneca oligonucleotide design platform, supporting multiple projects with state-of-the-art simulations to address the challenges in this emerging category of novel therapeutics.

Your contributions will include:

• Design, implement and improve novel simulation methodologies for predicting oligonucleotide properties in silico for chemically modified siRNAs and ASOs.
• Work closely with synthetic chemists with primary focus on the in-house proprietary Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Platform, and support oligo design with a variety of computer-aided drug development approaches.
• Plan, write and publish high-quality scientific papers.
• Actively participate in mentoring the cohort of Postdocs, PhD students, and Master Thesis students in the team.

Essential requirements for the role

• A PhD in chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, or another relevant computation-focused discipline or comparable industrial experience.
• In-depth scientific knowledge in molecular simulation methods, in particular molecular dynamics - demonstrated by a track record of project deliveries or publications and external presentations.
• Proficient in Python and shell scripting.
• Experience in using physics-based modeling to solve scientific problems with real impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly collaborative mindset.

Desirable requirements for the role

• Background in oligonucleotide sciences.
• Familiar with drug discovery and/or early development in industry or in a leading academic institution.
• Experience with simulation workflow management and automation in a high-performance computing environment.
• Experience with advanced MD sampling methods.
• Familiar with machine learning techniques: general understanding, methods for generative or predictive modeling, diffusion models.
• Genuine interest in driving science forward through supervising Master thesis and PhD students.

Why AstraZeneca?

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

Work policy

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

What's next?

If this sounds like the place and role for you - apply today! We look forward to getting to know you better! Welcome with your application no later than January 26, 2025.

For more information about the role please contact hiring manager Jon Paul Janet, [email protected].

Additional information

Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html (https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html)
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ (https://www.movetogothenburg.com/)
Make a move to Global Gothenburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iqbb4aw38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iqbb4aw38)
About BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html (https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html)