Associate Director, AI/ML (Biologics)

Sotalent; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent is seeking an Associate Director of AI and Machine Learning for Biologics to lead computational strategies across de novo protein design, antibody and antigen discovery, and multi-objective optimization in a cutting-edge biopharma setting.

You will bridge technical teams with senior leadership, shaping the AI roadmap for multiple therapeutic programs, and mentor scientists while collaborating with automated platforms to accelerate discovery.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters with extensive experience in machine learning applied to biology
• Proven ability to build ML models for biological data, especially molecular design
• Strong communication skills to translate technical concepts for leadership

Responsibilities

• Design and drive ML strategies for de novo protein design and multi-objective optimization of biologics
• Implement generative models and protein language models for antibody/antigen discovery
• Collaborate with automated experimental platforms to integrate design and confirmation cycles
• Build predictive tools for protein engineering and developability using large-scale data
• Translate complex computational findings into actionable insights for cross-functional teams
• Provide strategic guidance on AI applications across drug programs
• Mentor junior scientists and act as SME for senior stakeholders

Job description

Recruiter for a Premier Biopharmaceutical Organization

Associate Director of AI and Machine Learning for Biologics

Our client is a global leader in research and development dedicated to transforming patient care through innovative medicinal discovery. We are currently seeking a strategic and technical leader to join their Large Molecule AI and ML division. This role is pivotal in integrating computational science with experimental workflows to accelerate the discovery of antibodies, bispecifics, and complex biologics.

As an Associate Director you will drive the development of advanced models to optimize drug candidates and improve understanding of disease biology. You will serve as a bridge between technical teams and senior leadership, shaping the roadmap for how machine learning is applied across the therapeutic portfolio.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and execute machine learning strategies for de novo protein design and multi objective optimization of biologics.
• Implement generative models and protein language models to enhance antibody and antigen discovery.
• Collaborate with automated experimental platforms to integrate design and confirmation cycles using high quality data.
• Build predictive tools for protein engineering and developability using large scale biological datasets.
• Translate complex computational findings into actionable insights for cross functional discovery and CMC teams.
• Provide strategic guidance on the application of artificial intelligence across various drug programs.
• Mentor junior scientists and act as a subject matter expert for senior stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant scientific field with at least 6 years of experience or a Masters degree with 12 years of experience or a Bachelors degree with 14 years of experience.
• Demonstrated history of building machine learning models for biological data specifically focused on molecular generation and structural modeling.
• Deep knowledge of antibody and antigen interactions and sequence analysis.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and experience working within cloud computing environments.
• Strong ability to communicate technical concepts to non specialist audiences.
• A creative problem solver who can navigate the uncertainties of early stage drug discovery.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with modern architectures including diffusion models, graph neural networks, and Bayesian optimization.
• Background in analyzing NGS antibody repertoires for design purposes.
• Knowledge of molecular simulation and conformational analysis.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary for this position ranges from 154400 to 242550 per year. The final offer will be determined by the specific experience, skills, and educational background of the candidate. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package and is committed to an equitable and diverse workplace.