Senior Engineer, Process Data Science and Statistics
AstraZeneca is hiring a Senior Engineer, Process Data Science and Statistics. It pays $102k-$152k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on AstraZeneca.
Level's read on this job
- On Level's scale, this role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include scikit-learn, Databricks and AI evaluation.
- Level classifies it as a senior role.
- Level lists 1,300+ other open roles at AstraZeneca.
- The role was posted in the last few days.
AI in this role
The Sr Engineer will develop and maintain analytical workflows for multivariate process monitoring, predictive modeling of batch outcomes from incoming material, and anomaly detection on high-dimensional process data. This role builds and maintains data systems, analytical platforms, and AI-enabled tooling that connect process characterization and manufacturing execution data to statistical analysis and decision support - scaling from early process development through late-stage clinical development and commercial and post-commercial manufacturing. The role will also support development of hybrid mechanistic and data-driven models and human-supervised agentic AI applications.
This position reports to the Director, Process Data Science and Statistics lead, Process Engineering, Cell Therapy Development and Operations, and is located Required Qualifications
Education
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 2+ year of relevant experience
• OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience
• OR B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
Technical Skills
• Demonstrated experience in applied data science and statistical methods for process development or manufacturing (process capability, variance components, DOE, control charting, and multivariate analysis)
• Proficiency in Python (pandas, scipy, statsmodels, scikit-learn, plotly) and SQL for data analysis and pipeline development
• Experience developing and evaluating predictive models, including data preparation, validation, and interpretation of model results
• Experience with software development practices including version control, automation, and reproducible analysis workflows
• Ability to prepare clear technical documentation and translate complex statistical findings into actionable insights for cross-functional audiences
Soft Skills
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration in matrixed environments
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and deliver under time-sensitive program and regulatory timelines
• Practical problem-solving with ability to translate analytical concepts into maintainable tools and workflows
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with cloud data systems (AWS, Snowflake, Databricks, or similar)
• Experience building interactive analytical applications (Streamlit, Dash, or similar)
• Experience with multivariate SPC methods, including PCA/PLS, Hotelling T-squared, SPE/DModX, and anomaly detection
• Experience with hybrid mechanistic and data-driven modeling, process simulation, digital shadows, or neural ODEs
• Experience with AI/ML methods applied to manufacturing or bioprocess problems, including incoming-material batch-outcome prediction and LLM-based or agentic tooling
• Experience in cell therapy or biologics manufacturing
• Experience with DOE design and analysis for process characterization
• Track record of building and deploying automated reporting and process monitoring systems
Accountabilities
Statistical Strategy & Regulatory Support
- Support statistical analysis for comparability assessments (site transfers, significant process changes), process characterization, and control strategy development for cell therapy programs
- Apply rigorous statistical frameworks (equivalence testing, process capability analysis, variance component analysis, tolerance intervals) to evaluate drug product quality and support defensible regulatory narratives under tight timelines
- Design and analyze DOE studies for process characterization and LVV manufacturing, including risk-based parameter selection and interaction modeling
- Support process and product characterization for early development activities
Process Monitoring & Reporting
- Develop and maintain process monitoring workflows for pivotal and commercial manufacturing, including statistical control charts, alert/action limits, and trend detection
- Build multivariate statistical process control capabilities (e.g., principal component analysis or partial least squares), to support continued process verification, batch review, and investigations
- Develop and evaluate anomaly detection methods for high-dimensional process data to support investigation triage and batch review
- Build structured interactive reports and dashboards delivering batch visibility, in-process trend tracking, and decision support across programs
- Develop predictive models linking incoming material attributes to batch outcomes to support assessment ahead of manufacturing run commitment
Data Infrastructure, Digital Systems and AI/ML
- Partner with IT to implement data pipelines and analytical platforms (including tools such as Snowflake, Streamlit applications, and other cloud platforms enabling automated reporting) that connect process development and manufacturing execution data to statistical analysis and decision support
- Support manufacturing data digitization, working with IT and manufacturing sites to establish scalable data capture and integration for commercial readiness
- Develop and evaluate hybrid mechanistic and data-driven models, including digital shadows and, where appropriate, for process understanding, forecasting, and decision support
- Build and maintain reproducible AI/ML workflows, including data preparation, model evaluation, documentation, and monitoring, with emphasis on explainability and traceability
- Develop constrained, human-supervised agentic AI applications for knowledge retrieval, investigation and deviation triage, digital batch-record assistance, scheduling support, and guided decision support
Technical Leadership & Mentorship
- Contribute to digital manufacturing and data science capability development, supporting AI/ML integration and scalable infrastructure to enable commercial readiness
- Translate process and manufacturing questions into practical analytical solutions, prioritizing multivariate process monitoring and incoming-material predictive modeling while supporting evaluation of emerging methods
- Share statistical methods, reusable code, and applied data science practices with scientists and engineers to elevate organizational capability
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, MSAT, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, and IT to align data capabilities with program needs
- Required QualificationsEducation
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 2+ year of relevant experience
- OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience
- OR B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
- Technical Skills
- Demonstrated experience in applied data science and statistical methods for process development or manufacturing (process capability, variance components, DOE, control charting, and multivariate analysis)
- Proficiency in Python (pandas, scipy, statsmodels, scikit-learn, plotly) and SQL for data analysis and pipeline development
- Experience developing and evaluating predictive models, including data preparation, validation, and interpretation of model results
- Experience with software development practices including version control, automation, and reproducible analysis workflows
- Ability to prepare clear technical documentation and translate complex statistical findings into actionable insights for cross-functional audiences
- Soft Skills
- Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration in matrixed environments
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, and deliver under time-sensitive program and regulatory timelines
- Practical problem-solving with ability to translate analytical concepts into maintainable tools and workflows
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with cloud data systems (AWS, Snowflake, Databricks, or similar)
- Experience building interactive analytical applications (Streamlit, Dash, or similar)
- Experience with multivariate SPC methods, including PCA/PLS, Hotelling T-squared, SPE/DModX, and anomaly detection
- Experience with hybrid mechanistic and data-driven modeling, process simulation, digital shadows, or neural ODEs
- Experience with AI/ML methods applied to manufacturing or bioprocess problems, including incoming-material batch-outcome prediction and LLM-based or agentic tooling
- Experience in cell therapy or biologics manufacturing
- Experience with DOE design and analysis for process characterization
- Track record of building and deploying automated reporting and process monitoring systems
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $101,643.20 - $152,464.80. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
05-Nov-2026Closing Date
29-Nov-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
How we rate this
Senior Engineer, Process Data Science and Statistics at AstraZeneca rates 83 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
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- How do you decide that one model's output is better than another's for a given task?
- Walk me through how you've used scikit-learn in your day-to-day work.
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- How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
- Tell me about a time a model underperformed in production. How did you find out, and what did you change?
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