Senior Fellow - Scientific AI

McKinsey & Company; Darien (CT); On-site; USD 235,000 - 287,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company seeks a scientist with deep experience in protein engineering, computational chemistry, and AI to collaborate with client service teams and grow McKinsey's scientific AI capabilities. You will develop proprietary assets, mentor colleagues, and help shape external reputation in Life Sciences and related industries.

You will work across a multidisciplinary team to transform client R&D, publish findings, and lead initiatives that scale our science-driven insights

Qualifications

• Proven mastery of fundamental concepts in computational proteomics, protein engineering, computational chemistry, and related disciplines.
• Deep understanding of AI, ML, causal inference, foundation models, and related analytical technologies.
• Ability to develop architecture blueprints and decompose end-state solutions into incremental releases.

Responsibilities

• Support client service teams of scientific colleagues, develop new internal knowledge assets and external networks.
• Lead external reputation building and mentor junior colleagues to expand scientific AI impact.
• Advance the latest thinking in scientific AI and produce whitepapers, publications, and keynote speeches.

Skills

Computational proteomics

Protein engineering

Computational chemistry

AI & ML

Scientific leadership

Mentoring

Publications & talks

Communication

Job description

• Boston
• Charlotte
• Chicago
• Connecticut - Darien
• New Jersey
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Raleigh
• San Francisco

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem-solver who is energized by challenges? You've come to the right place.

YOUR IMPACT

Your work will be split between supporting client service teams of scientific & technical colleagues, developing new internal knowledge & technology assets and building the firm's external network.

You will bring distinctive scientific knowledge, specifically in protein engineering and/or computational chemistry, to complex client R&D challenges through part-time staffing on client studies with a multidisciplinary team.

You will drive proposal processes and participate in client negotiations by identifying end-to-end opportunities to transform R&D and architecting solutions that address specific client needs. You will also advance the latest thinking in scientific AI and generate a steady stream of whitepapers, scientific publications and keynote speeches in top scientific and AI conferences and journals.

Your work will also include establishing an external network & playing a lead role in external reputation building and attracting and retaining junior colleagues by mentoring them to expand their scientific AI knowledge and impact. You will lead firm and cell-level initiatives to scale our service in scientific AI and continuously improve the productivity & impact of our service line.

You will work as a member of McKinsey's global scientific AI team to transform the way our clients do research and development in industries where scientific innovation is core to value creation: Life Sciences, Specialty Chemicals, Global Energy and Materials, Agriculture, Advanced Industries, and Sustainability. With your expertise at the intersection of protein engineering, computational chemistry, or a similar field, and artificial intelligence / machine learning (i.e., deep learning, foundation models, Bayesian modelling, and causal inference), you will help build and lead McKinsey's forward-looking capabilities to transform clients' innovation engines.

Your core responsibilities will include but not be limited to; delivery of distinctive capabilities, knowledge, and insights through your work with client service teams and clients; technical and scientific leadership in the creation & dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge and proprietary assets; and elevation of the firm's reputation in your area of expertise.

YOUR GROWTH

Driving lasting impact and building long-term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture - doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues-at all levels-will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you'll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won't find anywhere else.

When you join us, you will have:

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• World-class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Proven mastery of fundamental concepts in one or multiple branches of computational proteomics, protein engineering, computational chemistry, and/or adjacent scientific disciplines, as well as being current on latest ideas and publications
• Deep understanding of the data sources, AI methods and related analytical technologies, e.g., AI principles, deep learning, machine learning (supervised learning or unsupervised), causal inference, large language models, foundation models, computer vision, diffusion models, reinforcement learning, knowledge graphs, or computer vision
• Ability to develop new-to-world solution architecture blueprints based on industry/client needs, and decompose the end-state solution into incremental releases to prove feasibility and deliver value
• Track record of innovation at the intersection of AI and a scientific discipline
• Experience managing direct reports, or a complex network of internal & external stakeholders
• Track record of recent leadership and engagement in the external ecosystem via publications, conference participation, keynote speeches, connectedness with academia and/or industry
• Compelling communicator with track record of translating technical methods to non-technical executive stakeholders as well as counselling non-technical stakeholders on the opportunity, the specific solution, and the technical and organizational requirements required for sustainable change and value capture

Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues.

Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives everything we do, guiding us to always act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

Industries

• Life Sciences

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. To help you understand what you can expect, the salary range for new joiners in this role in United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $261,000 - $261,000 USD gross per year. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.

FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.