Do you have the expertise and passion for developing and deploying Computational Chemistry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies for drug development in the pharmaceutical industry Join AstraZeneca and use your expertise to implement groundbreaking methodologies accelerate digital innovation and help deliver life-changing medicines to patients worldwide. This isnt just a role its your opportunity to transform the future of medicine and improve millions of lives.!
What we do
AstraZeneca is a global science-drivenBioPharmaceuticalbusiness and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients ouraim is to work towards a cure for some of the worlds most complex diseases. Whetherthatsby shaping the patient ecosystem and focusing on outcomes or by progressing potential medicines and accelerating their launch.
Pharmaceutical Sciencesat AstraZeneca delivers the therapies of the future through scientific leadership in drug delivery design of synthetic routes and manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and drug essence weare working from molecule to medicine to develop medicines for our patients today and tomorrow.
ThePredictive Science Digital and Automation(PSDA) departmentleadsthedigital transformationof Pharmaceutical Sciencesto drive innovationoptimizedrug development and enabledata- and predict-firstdrivendecisions. We develop and apply computational chemistry machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies-coupled withusercentricinformatics for seamless data capture integrationinsight and prediction. This is coupled with strong leadershipandexpertiseto advancelaband process automationallto accelerate projects.
The role
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Scientist in digital chemistry based at our strategic R&D site in Gothenburg Sweden.
For this role we are looking for an experienced computational chemist and ML expert with detailed knowledge of organic synthesis and chemical reactivity. The ideal candidate demonstrates several years of industrial experience in the pharmaceutical industry and an internationally recognised publication track-record at the interface of quantum chemistry and ML workflow implementation with demonstrated impact on drug design and development.
In this role you will collaboratively lead our method development efforts on the interface of advanced data-driven machine learning models and computational chemistry to advance synthesis prediction chemical route design chemical stability assessment and formulation development. You will work closely with drug development projects and contribute with expert modelling support addressing the diverse challenges arising in drug development projects. You will also contribute to deliver on and design our strategic positioning of computational chemistry and AI across our function to drive our predict first transformation.
Typical responsibilities in this role
Ideation development and application of a combination of machine learning and mechanistic modelling workflows to predict and elucidate chemical reactivity and catalysis physical chemical behaviour or chemical stability of drug molecules and formulations thereof
Support drug project campaigns with expert insights on chemical synthesis reactivity stability and catalysis
Co-develop our groups strategic developments in the field of machine learning AI for chemistry and computational chemistry for predictive science in drug development
Collaborate across functions and together with leading experimental scientists digitisation specialists and IT to drive digital chemistry forward
Expected background for the role
PhD in computational chemistry or equivalent
Expert knowledge in organic synthesis physical and theoretical chemistry
International recognised track record of applying and developing methodologies in molecular modelling and machine learning for druglike molecules
Several years of industrial experience in the field of drug design pharmaceutical chemistry or drug development
Experience in applying and developing predictive and ML methodologies in the area(s) of chemical reactivity analytical chemistry catalysis (retro-)synthesis and/or chemistry automation
Experience in the field of high-performance computing cheminformatics and scientific programming
Excellent communication skills written and spoken; self-motivated team player
Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines and strive to continuously meet the unmet needs of patients worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality.
Ultimately its more than a job. We know that our work impacts people with serious conditions many of whom have no other alternatives. Thats what drives us the potential to impact over one billion patients worldwide.
So whats next
Are you already imagining yourself joining us Good because we cant wait to hear from you!
Welcome with your application; CV and cover letter no later 15 February 2026.
Date Posted
02-Feb-2026Closing Date
15-Feb-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations please complete the section in the application form.Required Experience:
Senior IC
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more