Principal Machine Learning Scientist

Bayer CropScience Limited; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

PTO

Job summary

Bayer seeks a Principal Machine Learning Scientist to advance ML workflows for early-stage drug discovery in Cambridge, MA. You will design, train, and evaluate algorithms that digest high-dimensional biomolecular data to identify druggable targets and design delivery systems.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. in a life-sciences/CS field and bring deep ML expertise, Python proficiency, and a track record of scientific publication or patents in ML for biomolecular modeling.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree required in Computational Chemistry/Biology or related field.
• Deep expertise in state-of-the-art ML methods for biomolecules.
• Experience handling large biochemical/biophysical datasets.
• Strong Python programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply ML algorithms for accelerating early-stage drug discovery.
• Contribute to ML tools and software for drug discovery workflows.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate projects with AI capabilities.
• Engage with chemists, biologists and data scientists to advance initiatives.
• Stay updated on AI-driven biomolecular modeling advances.

Skills

Python

Large dataset handling

ML for biomolecules

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry/Biology

Tools

Molecular Dynamics

Rosetta

Job description

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.

The Principal Machine Learning Scientist will develop novel machine learning algorithms and workflows for accelerating early-stage drug discovery. In this role, you are responsible for constructing, studying, and training algorithms that learn from complex, high-dimensional data to uncover patterns and develop practical predictive models and applications. Involves utilizing various techniques, such as random forests, deep learning, and neural networks, to enhance the predictive capabilities of algorithms, particularly in natural language processing and machine perception. Focuses on simulating human learning activities, improving system performance through data analysis, and developing deep learning frameworks and systems that operate independently of explicit programming instructions. By continuously refining models and exploring new methodologies, contributes to innovative solutions that leverage machine learning for diverse applications.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, evaluate, and apply machine learning algorithms and workflows for accelerating early-stage drug discovery, including but not limited to (i) de-novo design of biomolecules, (ii) assessment of target druggability across therapeutic modalities (iii) design of drug delivery systems, (iv) identification of novel druggable pockets and epitopes, (vi) characterization of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions;
• Contribute to the implementation, validation, and improvement of machine learning tools and software solutions that support drug discovery activities;
• Identify opportunities for accelerating ongoing drug discovery projects with internal and external AI capabilities;
• Communicate, educate, and engage with a broad set of stakeholders (chemists, biologists, computational/data scientists, R&D leadership) on the state of technology and the progress of key internal initiatives. Engage with the broader scientific community through publications, talks, and open-source;
• Keep up to date with the latest advances in AI-driven modeling of biomolecular structure and dynamics.

WHO YOU ARE

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Computational Chemistry/Biology, Chem/Bioinformatics, Chemical/Biological/Molecular Engineering, or a related field at the intersection of life sciences and computer science;
• Deep expertise with state-of-the-art machine learning methods for modeling biomolecules, like co-folding and/or generative methods for protein design;
• Expertise in handling, processing, integrating and analyzing large datasets related to drug development research, including biochemical, biophysical, and structural biology data;
• Strong programming skills in Python;
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific rigor, a track record of scientific excellence, strong analytical thinking, and a high degree of self-motivation;
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant post-PhD experience, including 2+ years in industry;
• Experience with established, physics-based protein modelling methods like Molecular Dynamics and/or Rosetta;
• Experience in coordinating small, interdisciplinary teams and ability to articulate their impact to managerial stakeholders;
• Strong record of publications or patents related to machine learning solutions for biomolecular modeling.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $128,000.00 - $192,000.00. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc.

This salary range is merely an estimate and may vary based on an applicant’s location, market data/ranges, skills, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

This posting will be available for application until at least 08/12/2026.

Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.

Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.

Location: United States : Massachusetts : Cambridge

Division: Pharmaceuticals

Reference Code: 865491

Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.

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