Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning in Drug Discovery

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Bonuses

Stock options

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist specializing in Machine Learning for Drug Discovery. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within designated time zones and contribute to accelerating our drug discovery pipeline.

You will design advanced ML models, process diverse omics and chemical data, and collaborate with biologists and chemists to translate project needs into data science solutions. Ph.D.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in CS, Stats, bioinformatics, computational chemistry, or related quantitative field.
• At least 6 years in data science or ML with pharma/biotech focus.
• Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Proficient in Python (essential) and R with Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib.
• Experience with large biological/omics datasets.
• Strong understanding of statistics, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.
• Remote work capability and strong communication in distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement ML models for target identification, lead optimization, and virtual screening.
• Build data pipelines and reproducible workflows for model training and evaluation.
• Collaborate with biologists, chemists, and pharmacologists to translate needs into data solutions.
• Develop predictive models for drug properties, ADMET, and clinical trial outcomes.
• Publish findings and present to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Python

R

Statistics

Remote teamwork

Education

PhD or Master's in a related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Pandas

NumPy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical research firm, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Data Scientist specializing in Machine Learning in Drug Discovery . This role is entirely remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within designated time zones. You will be instrumental in developing and deploying sophisticated machine learning models to accelerate our drug discovery pipeline, identifying novel therapeutic targets and predicting compound efficacy. This position requires a deep understanding of statistical modeling, advanced programming skills, and a passion for applying computational approaches to solve complex biological problems. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, and computational scientists, contributing to pivotal research aimed at developing life‑saving medications. This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your expertise in a remote‑first environment, driving innovation from the comfort of your own home office and making a tangible impact on global health.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning algorithms and statistical models for drug discovery applications, including target identification, lead optimization, and virtual screening. Process, clean, and analyze large and complex biological and chemical datasets (e.g., genomics, proteomics, high‑throughput screening data, chemical structures). Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to understand project needs and translate them into data science solutions. Build predictive models for drug properties, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity), and clinical trial outcomes. Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and reproducible workflows for model training and evaluation. Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computational drug discovery. Communicate complex findings and model interpretations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports and presentations. Contribute to the scientific literature through publications and presentations at relevant conferences. Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the growth of the data science team.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, or a related quantitative field. A minimum of 6 years of experience in data science or machine learning, with a strong focus on applications in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit‑learn. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (essential) and R, along with relevant libraries for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib). Experience working with large, diverse datasets, including chemical structures, biological assay data, and omics data. Solid understanding of statistical concepts, experimental design, and hypothesis testing. Familiarity with cheminformatics and bioinformatics tools and databases is highly desirable. Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and creatively in a remote setting. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a distributed team environment. Proven track record of contributing to research publications or impactful projects.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remote salary package, commensurate with experience, plus performance‑based bonuses and stock options. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage are provided, accessible from your remote location. The company offers a generous retirement savings plan and substantial paid time off. Employees are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities, including online courses, virtual conferences, and access to leading scientific journals. This role offers the unique advantage of working entirely remotely, providing exceptional flexibility and autonomy. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that remote team members remain connected and engaged. Opportunities for career advancement are significant within this rapidly growing organization.