12 Month – Work Placement Student - Molecular AI

Join AstraZeneca for a 12‑month Work Placement Student Programme and help advance Molecular AI to accelerate drug discovery. Take a study break to apply your learning on real projects, deepen your expertise, and build the skills, knowledge, and network to accelerate your career, while being mentored by experienced scientists in a collaborative, research‑driven team.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centered biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Programme
Our 12‑month Work Placement Student Programme, starting in September 2026, offers hands‑on experience in innovative drug discovery within a collaborative, research‑driven organisation. Based at AstraZeneca’s Gothenburg site, you’ll deepen your expertise, apply your skills on real projects, and develop new capabilities. You’ll be mentored by experienced scientists and become an integral part of a supportive, high‑performing team.

About the role
In this role you will be able to define a research project aligned to one of our current directions in Molecular AI. Potential areas include agentic AI, generative AI for molecular design, co‑folding, chemistry foundation models, quantum‑mechanical (QM) calculations for reactions, molecular simulations, machine‑learning potentials, and prediction of binding affinity, ADMET properties and chemical reactivity. You’ll develop and apply computational models to generate hypotheses, design molecules, and guide experiments, collaborating closely with domain experts to deliver impactful results for discovery programmes.

About the team
You will join the Molecular AI department within Discovery Sciences, a multidisciplinary team at the intersection of chemistry, physics, machine learning and drug discovery. We build and apply state‑of‑the‑art AI/ML models and computational chemistry methods to understand molecular properties, design better therapeutics and accelerate decision‑making across therapy areas. The team works in close partnership with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, data scientists and project teams, combining rigorous science with pragmatic engineering to deliver tools, models and insights that move projects forward.

Who can apply?
We’re seeking students completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a Swedish institution. You should be able to take a 12‑month study break and have the right to work in Sweden for the full duration without needing additional permits. Across all our programmes, we look for individuals with drive, enthusiasm, strong teamwork skills, and a genuine desire to learn.

Essential requirements:

• BSc or MSc student at a Swedish university in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• You must have completed at least two years of your university education at the time of starting the placement and be returning to complete your studies after this opportunity ends.
• Applicants must have the eligibility to work in Sweden for 12 months from September 2026. 
• Students will be expected to take a study break from their education to participate in the programme, this will need to be arranged by the student at their institution. You must ensure that you receive the approval to take a study break from your university. 

What’s next
We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 31st of January 2026. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

Date Posted

01-dec.-2025

Closing Date

31-jan.-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

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.