Senior Scientist, Systems Medicine

The Systems Medicine group is seeking a Systems Modeler passionate about using mathematical and computational skills to develop and apply empirical and/or mechanistic models of Pharmacology and Toxicology. The group is under Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology Department and consists of > 20 mathematical modelers with backgrounds in chemical, mechanical or biomedical engineering, or applied biomathematics.

Working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment the successful candidate support projects in both non-clinical and clinical phases. The candidate will develop and apply pharmacological mechanistic systems models to contribute to decisions on dosage regimens and subject stratification by balancing efficacy and safety via modeling & simulation based on the understanding of the mechanism of action of investigational drugs.

The position will be based on our vibrant R&D sites in Gaithersburg, MD. All employees work at the company site 60% of workdays.

To succeed in this role, you have drug development experience and you are a person who enjoys working collaboratively with a variety of key stakeholders and collaborators to identify opportunities, build support and deliver innovative modeling and simulation solutions.

Main responsibilities:

• Create, expand or refine mathematical models to address questions in drug-discovery and nonclinical/clinical development

• Collaborate with experimentalists (e.g.,Advanced Cell Systems) to design informative nonclinical studies for quantitative systems model building

• Lead compound-specific projects with hands-on analysis by choosing the best modeling approach to address questions

• Contribute to the design, execution, and interpretation of clinical studies

• Test and adopt existing modeling platforms

• Review modeling works by colleagues, ensuring high-quality standards

• Contribute to AZ drug development with innovative ideas

• Stay informed with emerging literature and science in modeling and simulations.

• Collaborate well within the Systems Medicine group and cross-functional teams

• Guide junior modelers

• Represent AZ by publication, podium presentations, and/or organization of symposia

Educational requirements:

• PhD in chemical, mechanical or biomedical engineering, physics, applied mathematics or related field

Essential Requirements

• Scientific leadership as evidenced by publication record: at least 3 published papers

• Knowledge of models of biological pathways/systems to support translational research.

• Excellent understanding of theory, principles and statistical aspects of mathematical modeling and simulation

• Hands-on knowledge of modeling with ODE/PDEs and statistics

• Aptitude and experience to influence decisions and experimental design by using available data and appropriate modeling solutions

• Self-directed, independent, and highly-motivated researcher who excels in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

• Evidence of identifying, developing, and applying innovative solutions to scientific and technological problems faced in systems and predictive modeling

• Familiarity with the challenges of drug discovery and forward thinking with respect to the general application of mathematical models in drug discovery and development

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with scientists in other subject areas with a positive and collaborative attitude

• Experience with data analysis tools and languages such as R, Matlab and/or Python.

• Ability to keep up with new modeling approaches and propose implementation of scientific and technological developments in the areas of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology/Toxicology

• Experience in linking QSP/QST and pharmacokinetics to predict safe and efficacious doses

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to current principles and concepts in drug development from drug discovery to drug approval

• Experience with PK, PKPD, TKTD modeling and joint longitudinal modeling tools.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.