Lead AI Engineer - Machine Learning for Drug Discovery

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

Hybrid work model

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Lead AI Engineer to drive AI/ML for drug discovery. You will lead a team of data scientists and AI engineers, shaping models from data prep to deployment in collaboration with chemists and biologists.

You will oversee the full ML lifecycle, evaluate new AI technologies, and translate complex results into actionable insights for stakeholders. This hybrid role blends on-site leadership with remote collaboration in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with a significant portion focused on applications in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and deploying production-level ML models.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, and proficiency with ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Strong understanding of various ML algorithms, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and graph neural networks.
• Experience with cheminformatics, bioinformatics, or related life sciences data is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, innovative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models for drug discovery applications (target identification, hit identification, lead optimization, ADMET).
• Oversee the end-to-end ML lifecycle, from data acquisition and preprocessing to model training, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to translate project needs into data-driven AI solutions.
• Mentor and manage a team of AI engineers and data scientists, providing technical guidance and growth opportunities.
• Evaluate and implement new AI technologies, algorithms, and tools to enhance drug discovery capabilities.
• Develop robust data pipelines and ensure data quality for model training.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and roadmap development for AI in drug discovery.

Skills

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Graph neural networks

Leadership

Communication

Education

MS/PhD in CS/AI

Quantitative life sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development firm located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an innovative Lead AI Engineer to spearhead our machine learning initiatives in drug discovery. This is a critical leadership role where you will guide the development and implementation of sophisticated AI models to accelerate the identification and optimization of novel therapeutics. You will work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, chemistry, and biology, leveraging vast datasets to build predictive models that transform the drug development pipeline. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of our AI research and development efforts within our modern Durban facility. You will lead a team of talented data scientists and AI engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining essential on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models for various drug discovery applications, including target identification, hit identification, lead optimization, and ADMET prediction.
• Oversee the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle, from data acquisition and preprocessing to model training, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to understand project needs and translate them into data-driven AI solutions.
• Mentor and manage a team of AI engineers and data scientists, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Evaluate and implement new AI technologies, algorithms, and tools to enhance our drug discovery capabilities.
• Develop robust data pipelines and ensure the quality and integrity of data used for model training.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and roadmap development for AI in drug discovery within the organization.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with a significant portion focused on applications in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and deploying production-level ML models.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, and proficiency with ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Strong understanding of various ML algorithms, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and graph neural networks.
• Experience with cheminformatics, bioinformatics, or related life sciences data is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, innovative research environment.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and ample opportunities for career advancement. We invest in our employees' professional development through continuous learning programs, conference attendance, and access to cutting-edge technologies. Our state-of-the‑art research facility in Durban is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic and impactful field, contributing to the development of life‑saving medicines.
• The hybrid work model allows for a flexible work‑life balance while ensuring team cohesion and productivity.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking organization at the forefront of scientific discovery.