Computational Designer (all genders) - Biologics & Peptides

Bayer AG; Wuppertal; On-site; EUR 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Company daycare centers

Learning & development opportunities

Coaching and mentoring programs

Job summary

Bayer AG in Wuppertal and Berlin is seeking a Computational Designer (Biologics & Peptides) to drive end-to-end drug discovery at the intersection of structure biology, biophysics and AI-enabled design. You will lead cross-functional teams and connect targets with appropriate modalities to define tailored lead-finding strategies for antibodies, peptides, and conjugates.

You will design and optimize antibodies and peptides using structure- and sequence-based AI approaches, build modeling

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field with strong publication record.
• Several years in peptide/antibody drug discovery and current industry practices.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional research settings.
• Expertise in AI-enabled design and structure modeling.
• Ability to handle large experimental datasets and assays.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead cross-functional drug discovery projects.
• Connect targets with modalities and design lead-finding strategies.
• Design antibodies and peptides using AI and structure-based methods.
• Build modeling pipelines for affinity, stability, and developability.
• Integrate diverse data types to generate design hypotheses.
• Develop automated workflows for candidate generation and scoring.
• Collaborate with wet-lab teams to interpret data and iterate designs.
• Coordinate with IT/HPC to ensure robust compute and reporting.

Skills

Protein structure modeling

Antibody design

Molecular dynamics

Machine-learning design

Cross-functional leadership

Data interpretation

English fluency

Education

PhD in Computational Biology/Biophysics/Bioinformatics/Engineering/Structural Biology

Tools

HPC

Cloud computing

Containers

Workflow orchestration

Job description

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At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Computational Designer (all genders) - Biologics & Peptides

In this role, you initiate, drive, and support drug discovery projects at the intersection of structural biology, biophysics, and AI-enabled design. You connect targets with the right modalities and define tailored lead-finding strategies for antibodies, peptides, and conjugates. If you thrive in highly interdisciplinary environments and want to take end-to-end ownership from hypothesis to candidate selection, this position offers a high-impact platform to shape next-generation biologics discovery.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate, drive, and support drug discovery projects as an active member and leader of highly interdisciplinary, cross-organizational teams


• Apply structural and biological knowledge to connect targets with suitable modalities and define tailored lead-finding strategies (e.g., characterize protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions, identify druggable pockets and epitopes, design biomolecules)


• Design and optimize antibodies and peptides using structure-based and sequence-based computational and AI approaches, in partnership with antibody engineering teams and machine learning solution providers


• Build and apply modeling pipelines for affinity, specificity, stability, developability, and manufacturability-related properties (e.g., aggregation/solubility risk, PTM liabilities)


• Generate and triage design hypotheses by integrating structural data (X-ray/cryo-EM), sequence/omics data, biophysical/assay results, and scientific literature


• Develop automated workflows for candidate generation, scoring, selection, and data integration across programs


• Collaborate with wet-lab teams to define design goals, interpret experimental data, iterate designs, and identify acceleration opportunities with AI capabilities


• Partner with IT/HPC stakeholders to ensure fit-for-purpose compute infrastructure, software environments, and access patterns to deliver reliable modeling workflows and analytics; communicate outcomes via concise reports, visualizations, and presentations

WHO YOU ARE

• PhD in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Chemical/Biological Engineering, Structural Biology, or a related discipline


• Several years of professional experience (industry or equivalent) in peptide and therapeutic antibody drug discovery, with strong familiarity with the scientific literature and industry practices


• Proven scientific and project leadership capabilities in cross-functional research environments


• Expertise in protein and peptide structure modeling, antibody design, molecular dynamics, free-energy and physics-based scoring, and machine-learning-guided design, including proficiency with state-of-the-art AI tools for co-folding, structure prediction, and de novo binder generation


• Ability to work with and interpret large experimental data sets (binding/functional assays, biophysical characterization, developability screens)


• Experience with large-scale compute environments (HPC/cloud), containers, and workflow orchestration is a plus


• Understanding of developability considerations for biologics (immunogenicity risk, viscosity, stability, liabilities) and relevant in silico assessments is a plus


• Familiarity with antibody or peptide conjugate modalities (e.g., antibody–drug conjugates, oligonucleotide, radionuclide, or peptide payloads) is a plus


• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment


• Distinct communication and negotiation skills, strong intercultural competence, and pronounced team orientation


• Enjoy working in self-organized teams, taking ownership and accountability across the full value chain


• Fluent in English, both written and spoken

WHAT WE OFFER

Our benefits package is flexible, appreciative, and tailored to your lifestyle, because: What matters to you, matters to us!

• We ensure yourfinancial stability with a competitive salary between 104.300€ and 126.500€ per year (full-time) plus a variable component. Your compensation is based on your qualifications, skills, and professional experience.


• Whether it’s hybrid work models or part-time arrangements: Whenever it is possible, you will have the flexibility to work how, when and where it is best for you.


• Your family is a top priority. We offer loving company daycare centers at multiple locations, support in finding childcare, time off for the care of elderly or dependent family members, summer camps for children, and much more.


• We support yourprofessional growth by providing access to learning and development opportunities, training programs through the Bayer Learning Academy, development dialogues, as well as coaching and mentoring programs.


• We promotehealth awareness and opportunities for selfcare through various measures, such as free health checks with the company doctor.


• We embrace diversity by providing aninclusive work environment in which you are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

Location: Germany : North Rhine Westfalia : Wuppertal-Aprath || Germany : Berlin : Berlin