Senior AI Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Welkom; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Health insurance

Stock options

Bonuses

Flexible hours

Unlimited PTO

Learning opportunities

Global team

Computational resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior AI Research Scientist to join a fully remote team pioneering AI-powered drug discovery. You will design and deploy cutting-edge ML models on large biological and chemical datasets to accelerate therapeutic discovery.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a quantitative field, 5+ years of AI/ML research experience, and expertise in TensorFlow/PyTorch, Python, and scalable data pipelines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, ML, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of AI/ML research experience with biological or chemical applications.
• Proven expertise in DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and ML algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python and data-science libraries (scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced AI/ML models for drug discovery tasks.
• Process and analyze large biological/chemical datasets for insights.
• Research novel AI methodologies for biological/chemical use cases.
• Collaborate with computational chemists, biologists, and data engineers to integrate AI into workflows.
• Maintain robust, reproducible, scalable codebases following best practices.

Skills

Deep learning frameworks

Python programming

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science / AI / Bioinformatics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Pandas

NumPy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering leader in leveraging Artificial Intelligence for drug discovery, is actively seeking a Senior AI Research Scientist to join their fully remote team. This role is central to developing and implementing cutting-edge AI and machine learning models that accelerate the identification and design of novel therapeutic compounds. As a remote-first organization, we provide a flexible and collaborative digital environment where innovation thrives. You will work on complex, large-scale biological and chemical datasets, contributing directly to our mission of transforming patient care through AI-driven solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in machine learning, deep learning, and their applications in biological sciences, coupled with a passion for solving challenging research problems. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of drug discovery from anywhere, collaborating with world-class researchers and engineers dedicated to making a significant impact on global health. Your expertise will be crucial in advancing our AI capabilities in drug discovery processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced AI and machine learning models for drug discovery tasks, including target identification, hit identification, lead optimization, and property prediction.
• Process and analyze vast datasets, including genomic, proteomic, chemical, and clinical data, to extract meaningful biological insights.
• Conduct research into novel AI methodologies and algorithms suitable for biological and chemical applications.
• Collaborate with computational chemists, biologists, and data engineers to integrate AI solutions into end-to-end drug discovery workflows.
• Develop and maintain robust codebases, ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and adherence to best practices for AI model development.
• Publish research findings in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the strategic direction of the AI research team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and relevant scientific domains.
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement of our remote work infrastructure and collaborative tools to enhance team productivity and communication.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in AI/ML, with a strong focus on biological or chemical applications.
• Proven expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and various ML algorithms.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, including libraries for data science and AI (e.g., scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy).
• Experience working with large biological and chemical datasets, including structural biology, omics data, and high-throughput screening data.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles and the drug development process is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, essential for a remote-first team.
• Ability to work independently, manage projects, and deliver results in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and distributed training techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, with annual compensation up to ZAR.
• Comprehensive remote work stipend for home office setup and expenses.
• Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous stock options and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible work hours and unlimited paid time off, supporting a true remote-first culture.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, skill development, and attending virtual conferences.
• Direct impact on accelerating the development of life-changing medicines.
• Work with a diverse, international, and highly skilled team from anywhere.
• Access to advanced computational resources for research.