AI Scientist - Generative AI Models for the Creation of RNA-Based Drugs (GIS)

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded position

Job summary

A*STAR Research Entities in Singapore invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to develop generative AI models for mRNA optimization and to build foundation models for mRNA assessment. You will run large-scale pretraining on HPC infrastructure and perform model finetuning.

Candidates should have a PhD in a related field, strong deep learning experience, Python skills, and a publication record in AI conferences; interest in biology/genomics is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field (computer science, computational biology, applied mathematics, physics, or related).
• Proven experience in deep learning research and development.
• Publication record at top AI conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, ICCV, ACL).
• Strong Python programming and software engineering skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop generative AI models for mRNA optimization.
• Develop foundation models for mRNA assessment.
• Run large-scale pretraining on HPC infrastructure.
• Perform model finetuning and hyperparameter optimization.
• Evaluate models on experimental data.

Skills

Deep learning research

Python programming

Collaborative work

Biology/Genomics interest

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Tools

HPC experience

Job description

Project background

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics, including vaccines, represent a transformative class of drugs for infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy. Their programmable nature allows rapidadaptation to evolving pathogens and personalized medicine, but effective design of mRNA molecules remains a key bottleneck. Current development relies on trial-and-error methods, leading to long timelines, high costs, and suboptimal outcomes.

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to:

• Develop generative AI models for mRNA optimization
• Develop foundation models for mRNA assessment
• Run large-scale pretraining on high-performance computing infrastructure
• Perform model finetuning and hyperparameter optimization
• Evaluate models on experimental data

Profile

We welcome applications from candidates with:

• A PhD in computer science, computational biology, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field
• Proven experience in deep learning research and development
• Publication record at top-tier AI conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, ICCV, ACL, etc)
• Strong experience in Python programming and solid software engineering skills
• Experience with biomolecules and/or high-performance computing is a plus
• Interest in biology, biomolecules, or genomics (prior expertise not required)
• A structured, independent, proactive, and collaborative working style

We offer

• A fully funded position with an internationally competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities, including support for grant applications and participation in conferences and workshops
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including NSCC's high-performance computing clusters
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research environment
• The position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of renewal

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.