Associate Director, Software Engineering- Scientific & AI Tools

Job Title: Associate Director Software Engineering- Scientific & AI Tools

Global Career Level: E

About our Team:

AstraZeneca is transforming into an AI- and data-led enterprise. Within R&D our Predictive AI & Data team connects expertise across functions to turn complex information into practical life-changing insights that improve patient outcomes. We invent build and deliver novel solutions alongside leading experts leveraging cutting-edge techniques in data AI and machine learning. We work inclusively across diverse disciplines and partners pooling knowledge to decode business needs and applying our technical knowledge to deliver value.

Introduction to role:
We are seeking an Associate Director Software Engineering to lead the design and delivery of Scientific & AI tools and solutions that accelerate scientific decision-making across Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Science (CPSS). You will shape and deliver scalable production-quality software on enterprise infrastructure driving positive disruptive transformation aligned to AstraZenecas Bold Ambition for 2030. This role partners closely with R&D IT and DS&AI and collaborates globally with colleagues in Sweden the United Kingdom and the United States.

Accountabilities:

• Product leadership: Translate scientific and business requirements into technical roadmaps; own delivery of fit-for-purpose tools end-to-end.

• Architecture and development: Design build and operate scalable software in scientific data and AI domains applying modern engineering best practices.

• AI solutions: Implement Large Language Modelpowered systems Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and agentic workflows to enhance scientist productivity.

• Data platforms: Build data ingestion transformation and visualization solutions; ensure data quality security lineage and governance.

• Collaboration: Partner with CPSS stakeholders R&D IT and DS&AI to co-create solutions; provide clear communication of complex topics to diverse audiences.

• Operational excellence: Establish CI/CD automated testing observability and DevOps practices; ensure reliability performance and cost efficiency in cloud and HPC environments.

• Technical mentorship: Guide engineers and contributors; foster a culture of craftsmanship learning and inclusive collaboration.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Education: Degree in Computer Science Engineering or related field or equivalent industry experience.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.

• Programming: Strong Python skills; familiarity with R Java or C.

• Software engineering: Proven delivery of scalable production-quality systems; proficiency with version control CI/CD automated testing design patterns and DevOps.

• Data engineering and visualization: Experience building pipelines and interactive data products.

• Frontend: Experience with Streamlit Dash or React.

• Backend: Experience with FastAPI or Flask.

• Databases: Experience with SQL and NoSQL technologies.

• Generative and agentic AI: Practical experience with frameworks such as PydanticAI LangChain and LangGraph; knowledge of LLMs RAG and prompting techniques.

• Compute environments: Hands-on experience with Unix/Linux HPC systems and cloud platforms (AWS preferred).

• Translation of needs: Demonstrated ability to convert scientific and business requirements into robust technical solutions.

• Core skills: Excellent problem-solving analytical and critical-thinking skills; attention to detail and strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Domain expertise: Background in machine learning AI or bioinformatics.

• Architecture: Experience designing data platforms and agentic AI solutions.

• Life sciences: Experience in clinical or pre-clinical drug discovery.

• Scientific computing: Knowledge of scientific methods pipelines and computational tool development.

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

Why AstraZeneca:

Here youll blend cutting-edge engineering with real-world science to push the boundaries of whats possiblefusing data technology and bold ideas to accelerate breakthroughs against complex diseases. We bring unexpected teams together learn relentlessly and support each other with kindness alongside ambition. Youll work on challenges that have never been solved before grow through varied opportunities and see the impact of your tools in publications decisions and medicines that reach patients worldwide.

Call to Action:

If youre ready to lead engineering that turns scientific curiosity into life-changing impact take the next step and show us how you will build the tools that speed breakthroughs to patients!

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.