Enhancing Breast Cancer Treatment and outcomes through Data Science: A Real-World Evidence Approach Internship

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide! AstraZeneca has long been an advocate of student work placement training. These placements immerse students in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing the opportunity to contribute to our diverse pipeline of medicines whether in the lab or outside of it. You will feel trusted and empowered to take on new challenges, but with all the help and guidance you need to succeed. At AstraZeneca, you will engage in meaningful work within a pioneering research and development organization. This placement will help you develop essential skills, expand your knowledge, and build a network that will set you up for future success. You will be surrounded by curious, passionate, and open-minded professionals eager to learn and follow the science, fostering your growth in a truly collaborative and global team.

Introduction to the role

LASER

The LASER (Late Data Science and Real-World Evidence Support) team plays a crucial role in accelerating and enhancing decision-making within the development pipeline by harnessing insights from disease area experts. Our primary function is to support Late-Stage Development Operations (LDO), but we also provide adaptable, ad-hoc assistance during early-phase development when needed.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to utilize real-world data (RWD) to enhance breast cancer treatment through the analysis of patient biomarker profiles, including oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status. RWD is instrumental in revealing patterns that traditional clinical trials may miss, providing deeper insights into treatment efficacy across diverse populations. Precise biomarker classification is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies, as ER-positive patients typically respond better to hormonal therapies, while HER2-positive patients benefit from targeted therapies like trastuzumab. The project employs Flatiron's extensive databases to innovate methods for patient stratification and outcome prediction, using advanced predictive models to identify high-risk factors that influence survival outcomes. Interns will gain practical experience with state-of-the-art data science tools, work collaboratively with experts, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, underscoring the pivotal role of data science in driving advancements in precision oncology and personalized medicine.

Accountabilities

Data Management: Organize, curate, and manage real-world data (RWD) sourced from databases such as Flatiron, ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the analysis process. Model Development and Validation: Develop, test, and validate predictive models to enhance the stratification of breast cancer patients based on biomarker profiles, genomic characteristics, and treatment histories. Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough analyses of RWD to identify high-risk factors and treatment patterns influencing survival outcomes, contributing to more effective treatment strategies. Collaboration: Work closely with data scientists, bioinformaticians, and oncology experts to cross-reference findings and validate methodologies against existing literature and prevalence data.

Essential Skills/Experience

Experience working with real-world healthcare data, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), and other large-scale medical datasets. Proficiency in programming languages such as R for statistical analysis. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., ggplot2, matplotlib, Tableau) to present findings effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, present findings, and document research activities.

Applications will close on 24/02/2025. This placement will start 30/06/2025 - 26/09/2025 and you can expect to hear back from us by the end of March 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.