Senior Emerging Technology Engineer

Introduction to Role

Join AstraZeneca as a Senior Emerging Technology Engineer, where you'll be at the epicentre of innovation in a role that's anything but routine. We're looking for someone who thrives in an ever-changing environment, eager to master the latest tech trends and drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

In this role, you'll bring emerging technologies to life, crafting captivating experiences and presentations to illuminate their potential for our strategic leaders in hands-on immersive experiences. Your mission will be to not only identify and test the next big technologies within a 5-7 year horizon, but also to pave the way for their integration into AstraZeneca's future landscape.

You'll be at the forefront of a 'show, don't just tell' philosophy, requiring a hands-on approach as you create Proof of Concept projects and collaborate with a diverse network of partners, from academic institutions to tech titans. You'll lean in as needed to deliver, using your own passion for learning as a driver. This role does not come with an instruction manual; you will be shaping and defining that for the rest of the organisation. This gives you a unique vantage point, accessing revolutionary technologies ahead of the curve.

More than a creator of prototypes, you'll deliver thought leadership by translating intricate tech concepts into strategic insights, shaping the direction of our investments. When new technologies emerge, you'll be the architect of the capabilities needed to harness their power for our business.

We're seeking curious, tech-savvy professionals with the skills to build proofs of concepts and the boldness to tackle the unknown. We understand that emerging technology roles are multifaceted, and we encourage applications from individuals with a diverse group of backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about technology and its potential to inspire change, even if you don't tick every box. If you're ready to dive into a world of exploration and have a direct impact on AstraZeneca's technological journey, step into a role that's as exciting as it is vital.

What You Will Be Accountable For (Outputs):

• Thought Leadership: Deliver thought-provoking and informative guidance on new and emerging technologies through immersive demonstrations and workshops. Enrich the research arm of the team with your technical expertise, contributing to the development of positioning statements and white papers.
• Trailblaze New Technologies: Innovate and construct tailored Proof-of-Concept systems to illustrate the art of the possible. Influence senior strategic leaders with hands-on experiences that go beyond third-party narratives, demonstrating the value proposition of technologies from a foundation of first-hand knowledge. Embrace experimentation, understanding that learning from failed PoCs is an essential step towards success.
• Labs and Infrastructure Management: Take charge of the Tech Innovation infrastructure, including cloud accounts, sandboxes, source control, license servers, and more. Champion the opportunities that arise from the labs while ensuring the physical lab space and equipment are available, well-maintained, and secure.
• Strategic Translation: In close collaboration with research colleagues, partner with Business Technology Groups (BTGs) and Enterprise Architects to assess how new technologies can be woven into existing workflows. Where there is no existing capability, you will assist in paving the way for its creation.
• Technical Expertise: As the Senior Emerging Technology Engineer at AstraZeneca, you will be the bedrock of expertise for new and emerging technological trends. Strategic leaders will depend on your insights and comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge technologies to navigate critical business decisions. You will be tasked with keeping abreast of the latest tech developments and proactively engaging with strategic leaders to ensure technology adoption aligns with business objectives.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Software Engineering Expertise: Proficiency in architecting and programming Proof of Concept (PoC) projects is essential, utilising both familiar tech stacks and exploring new frameworks and libraries that might better mesh with new technologies. The role demands the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within larger teams.
• Strategic Storytelling: Storytelling skills are crucial for effectively translating complex technical concepts and visionary ideas into simple, impactful narratives that resonate with senior executives.
• Influence & Collaboration: Ability to work with external partners to influence outcomes and deliver timely product innovations. The capacity to articulate intricate technical details in a clear manner that is easily understandable by senior strategic leaders as well as your colleagues in teams like Enterprise Architecture.
• Agility in Ambiguity: The ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritise a demanding workload, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Technology Enthusiasm: A fervent desire to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the technology landscape. A genuine eagerness to engage directly with new technology, coupled with the drive and ability to rapidly learn new skills.
• Proven Implementation Track Record: Validated experience in delivering and deploying solutions within Continuous Development lifecycles.
• Curiosity & Initiative: An inquisitive mindset with a proactive approach where you are comfortable being uncomfortable. A willingness to take on new challenges and experiment in areas where you lack experience.
• Programming Proficiency: Strong programming skills with experience with multiple languages including but not limited to C#, Python, and JavaScript.
• Cloud Expertise: Proven knowledge or experience with cloud computing and services such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Emerging technology exposure: Exposure to or experience in areas such as data science, real-time 3D, AR/VR/XR, computer vision, AI, robotics, quantum computing, etc.
• Project Experience: Proof of independent project development as well as collaborative team efforts, with a good understanding of source control and project management methodologies.
• Educational Background: A degree in software engineering, computer science OR equivalent years of relevant professional experience.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Exposure to additional programming languages such as C++, Java, Go, Rust, etc.
• AWS Associate or Professional certifications (Architect, Developer) or equivalent GCP/Azure certifications.

AstraZeneca Offers

AstraZeneca offers an environment where your work has a direct impact on patients' lives by transforming our ability to develop life-changing medicines. We empower our teams to perform at their peak by combining cutting-edge science with leading digital technology platforms and data. Join us at this crucial stage of our journey towards becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. With significant investment behind us, we are driving cross-company change to disrupt the entire industry.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person work gives us the platform 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 inflexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

Ready to Shape the Future of Technology at AstraZeneca?

Apply now to embark on an exciting journey as a Senior Emerging Technology Engineer and help us redefine the future of healthcare!

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.