Job Description

Job Title: AI Engineering Specialist - Level 1
Introduction to role:
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of healthcare? We are seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead our Data Science and AI initiatives within AstraZeneca's Commercial Data Science & AI Team, located in Chennai and Bangalore, India. Collaborate with business and medical experts across various disease areas, brands, and indications to harness the power of machine learning, natural language processing, foundational models, and knowledge graphs. Your work will support the commercialization of new medicines, transforming healthcare delivery and improving the lives of millions globally. Join a global team dedicated to advancing data science tools that revolutionize patient care.
Accountabilities:

• Build, develop, and lead a team of high-performing Data Scientists.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Data Science & AI, Commercial, Medical, and IT globally.
• Research and apply the latest ML algorithms with a focus on Generative AI techniques for content creation and data augmentation.
• Apply ML models, feature engineering, and interpret model outcomes for business stakeholders.
• Integrate structured and unstructured data into knowledge bases.
• Design and create AZ knowledge graph.
• Collaborate with data teams to demonstrate data science for research questions.
• Partner with Commercial teams to build scalable data science solutions using Generative AI.
• Drive collaborations with local data science companies.
• Integrate data to build personalized patient journeys using LLMs and Diffusion Models.
• Fine-tune LLMs and vision models for commercial problems.
• Develop strategies for responsible use of Generative AI, including bias detection.
• Optimize LLM performance through prompt engineering techniques.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• BS (or equivalent experience) in mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, computational sciences, or related quantitative discipline.
• Approximately 8-10 years of experience in core ML and AI projects.
• Prior experience/understanding with 3-5 years' experience in foundational tools.
• Mandatory Technical Skills: Python, Jupyter notebook, Scikit-learn, SQL, StreamLit, Amazon Bedrock, Jumpstart, OpenAI, Langchain, LlamaIndex. Good knowledge of cloud platforms (GCP, Azure, AWS).
• Deep Learning tools: Pytorch/Tensorflow, HuggingFace.
• Machine Learning: Classical methods including classification and regression algorithms like k-means clustering, support vector machines, random forests.
• Deep Learning: Fully Connected Architecture, Convolutional Networks, RNN/LSTM. In-depth knowledge of LLMs like GPT, Claude, Gemini, Falcon, LLAMA. Large pre-trained image models like Inception, Mobilenet, YOLO; generative image models like Stable Diffusion.
• Generative AI: Experience with models/frameworks for text generation, image synthesis, data augmentation.
• Prompt Engineering: Ability to design and optimize prompts for LLMs.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Master or PhD in ML or Computer Science in mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, computational sciences.
• Experience working on structured/unstructured data problems in data science.
• Track record of independently leading data science projects for business/scientific problems.
• Exceptional skills in Python.
• Familiarity with database systems like SQL and NoSQL.
• Coaching and nurturing junior Data Scientists.
• Pipeline Tools: Airflow/Luigi, MLFlow, Great Expectations.
• ML Production Tools: Docker, Kubeflow (Familiarity and desire to learn).
• Reinforcement Learning.
• Experience with Vector Databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate).
• Knowledge of MLOps practices for deploying/monitoring Generative AI models.
• Familiarity with ethical considerations in AI.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite 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.
At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our dynamic environment fosters collaboration among the brightest minds who work side by side to make impactful advances. With a growth mindset and a commitment to innovation, we harness diverse expertise to transform patient care. Our ambitious spirit encourages stepping out of comfort zones to lead changes in an ever-evolving landscape. Join us to be part of a team that is reshaping healthcare systems through collaboration and advocacy.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of our journey to transform healthcare!
Date Posted 04-Sept-2025
Closing Date 29-Sept-2025
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.

Skills Required