Principal NLP Engineer

Principal NLP Engineer

Introduction to Role:

Are you ready to apply your AI/NLP engineering skills in a place where curiosity thrives and groundbreaking work is done? Join our AI Engineering team at AstraZeneca in Cambridge (UK) and be part of a company that follows the science unlike anywhere else! At AstraZeneca, we connect across the whole business to power each function, ultimately influencing patient outcomes and improving their lives. Our IT team plays an increasingly crucial role in driving exciting transformation on our journey to becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. We work in harmony with leading experts in our specialist communities, using pioneering techniques and expanding our knowledge to identify the next opportunity.

Accountabilities:

As a Principal NLP Engineer, you will develop and deploy NLP models and algorithms to extract insights from unstructured text data. You will design and implement end-to-end NLP pipelines, including data preprocessing, feature engineering, model training, and evaluation. Collaborating with multi-functional teams, you will understand client requirements and develop customized NLP solutions to address their specific needs. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in NLP and machine learning research, you will proactively integrate new techniques into existing workflows. Additional responsibilities include mentorship and leadership, successful deliverables, and project and community leadership.

Essential Skills/Experience:

- Advanced Academic Credentials: PhD or equivalent experience in Machine Learning / NLP.
- Senior Industry Experience: Extensive industry experience, particularly in senior or leadership roles, demonstrating a robust understanding of NLP challenges and solutions.
- Proficiency in Python: Advanced knowledge of Python
- Advanced Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities in the area of machine learning and NLP.
- Excellent Communication and Teamwork: Superior teamwork and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and lead teams.
- Hands-on Data Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience with data preprocessing techniques, feature engineering, and model evaluation.
- Proven Project Delivery: A proven track record of successfully delivering NLP projects in academia or/and industry.
- Experience with LLMs and Generative AI: Proficiency in using large language models (LLMs) and Generative AI technologies, including prompt engineering, RAG, fine-tuning and quantisation of LLMs.

Desirable Skills:

- DevOps and Cloud Proficiency: Familiarity with DevOps practices, Kubernetes (k8s), and AWS.
- Publication Record: A notable record of publication in recognizable conferences and journals.
- Rust Language Experience: Familiarity with the Rust programming language.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash 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 not just about delivering drugs. We are about delivering innovative solutions for health. We are a community of forward-thinkers who are driven by science and innovation. We believe that together we can make a difference – to our business, to our patients, and to each other. We are proud of our commitment to follow the science. It drives everything we do and is the reason why our business area - IT - is so critical to our mission. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, perspective, and background. This diversity fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our patients and the communities we serve.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to improve the health of people around the world through innovative and collaborative science!

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.