Computational Biology & AI Intern - Summer 2026

This role provides a unique opportunity for a talented PhD candidate to work on an exciting project leveraging AI tools to improve precision medicine in immuno-oncology. The intern will design and validate AI‑driven, probabilistic models to characterize immune receptor repertoires, derive mechanistic insights, and predict patient outcomes. The role spans transformer‑based design and modeling, multimodal data integration, and robust benchmarking to deliver interpretable predictions that can generalize across cohorts. The intern will contribute to proof‑of‑concept research that supports future foundation models and patient stratification efforts in clinical trials. By the end of this internship, the candidate will have gained hands-on experience analyzing large-scale immunological datasets that inform precision immuno-oncology, along with exposure to translational and discovery efforts supporting both established and emerging immunotherapies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Prototype and refine deep learning models for immune receptor sequence representation and patient level outcome prediction.
• Identify and combine biomedical data tailored to the biological question at hand to test and improve performance and enable cross‑study applications.
• Establish rigorous baselines; assess calibration and generalization; and benchmark against publicly available tools.
• Apply model interpretation methods to extract mechanistic signals and communicate findings clearly.
• Build clean, documented pipelines for data processing, training, and analysis; collaborate and present results efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Current PhD candidate in a quantitative field (e.g., computer science, computational biology, or bioinformatics).
• Demonstrated experience with deep learning methods for biological sequences (e.g. transformer architectures, self-supervised/contrastive learning).
• Experience in robust experimental design, benchmarking, and generalization across cohorts.
• Strong Python skills (PyTorch), version control (Git), experiment tracking, and reproducible ML practices.
• Ability to design experiments independently, analyze results, and iterate systematically. Clear scientific writing and collaboration with technical and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2026.
• Available to work full-time for duration of the internship

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Basic understanding of T-cell biology, anti-tumor immunity, and cancer immunotherapy.
• Experience with probabilistic modeling and interpretability. Hands-on experience with AI-based foundation models using single-cell and spatial RNA-seq dataset is an asset.

What you’ll Learn:

As an Intern at AstraZeneca Canada you will have the opportunity to learn about various positions with AstraZeneca as you work cross-functionally with different parts of our business.  Our purpose for this position is to ensure you gain key foundational knowledge that will complement your education through interesting work while leveraging valuable networking opportunities to expand your learning. You will be invited to attend various learning events including Town Halls, Industry Spotlight sessions Science Matters presentations, employee engagement events as well as many others so you will be well-prepared and qualified for future positions with AstraZeneca. 

We have a strong track record in developing and coaching interns to be successful for future positions at AstraZeneca. Join us and thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds come together to unlock the potential of what science can do!

What to Expect:

This role is a 4-month paid contract position, which starts in May 2026. Our position will be based in our Mississauga head office and allow for flexible working arrangements working both onsite (2-3 times per week) and virtually. This role will be a paid internship and salary will be pro-rated accordingly.

About AstraZeneca Canada:

At AstraZeneca, we are united by a common purpose – to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. This purpose underpins everything we do; our work helps to make hearts healthier, to help people breathe easier, and to help more people survive cancer. Every single day, we make a difference by delivering potentially life-changing medicines to millions of people worldwide and by leading breakthrough science that promises to transform the treatment of disease.

Our purpose is bold and so is our approach. Becoming a more agile and innovative company means creating a vibrant, dynamic culture where we celebrate entrepreneurial thinking and act quickly to inspire change. We are courageous, taking smart risks and learning from both success and failure. We are curious, creative, and open to new insights and ways of working. Above all, we are passionate about science and driven to always put patients first. Join us and be part of a great place to work; an environment that energizes and empowers each of us to achieve our goal to develop and deliver medicines.

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why: 

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years

• Top 100 Employers Award

• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture

• Learn more about working with us in Canada

• View our YouTube channel

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailingAZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com. 

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Annual base salary for this position ranges from 42,908.00 to 56,316.75.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs.  In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role).  Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.

We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.

This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.

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.