Machine Learning Research Intern - Summer 2026

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. AstraZeneca Summer Internships introduce you to the world of ground-breaking drug development, embedding you in highly dedicated teams, committed to delivering life-changing medicines to patients. Our 10–12-week program is designed for master's, and doctoral students. We offer exciting opportunities across Research & Development, Operations, and Enabling Units (Corporate functions).

Our internships 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. This internship 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 role

Join us at the Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAI), where we are committed to accelerating biomedical research through the innovative use of machine learning. In this role, you will work on improving the confidence estimates of structure prediction models so that they can be effectively used for downstream tasks in drug discovery.

Specifically, you will work with state-of-the-art diffusion-based models for protein structure prediction, focusing on improving their fidelity for Antibody-Antigen applications. The internship offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the intersection of AI and drug discovery, focusing on projects that are central to our research and development portfolio.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

As an intern, you will be engaged with several key responsibilities, including:

• Engage in discussions and propose ideas to improve the performance of structure prediction models for Antibody-Antigen complexes.
• Benchmark existing state-of-the-art models for Ab-Ag structure predictions, focusing on their confidence scores
• Implement novel approaches to improve confidence predictions from structure-based models and their alignment to experimental downstream applications.
• Collaborate and present scientific results with stakeholders
• Submit internship findings to top-tier ML conference
• Implement MLOps best practices from the outset of the project

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

• PhD candidate in machine learning, computer science, computational biology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning techniques (e.g., pre-training, fine-tuning)
• Strong programming skills in Pytorch or equivalent frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with an interest in antibody design and development.
• Proven ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams and communicate scientific concepts effectively.
• Candidates must have an expected graduation date after August 2026.
• Available to work full-time for duration of the internship

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience with protein structure prediction tools and / or diffusion models.

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.