At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale simulations to revolutionise drug discovery and mentor junior scientists.
- Company: AQEMIA, a pioneering drug invention company at the forefront of medical innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and collaboration with top talent in DeepTech.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in Paris or London, driving breakthroughs in drug discovery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by inventing novel medicines using cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 5+ years in molecular simulations; strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About AQEMIA
AQEMIA is a drug invention company dedicated to creating entirely new medicines to address major unmet medical needs. At the core of our mission is QEMI, our proprietary molecule‐invention platform, which uniquely combines cutting‐edge science with advanced technology powered by physics‐based modeling, statistical mechanics, and generative AI. QEMI allows our teams to design novel drug candidates from first principles. We focus on inventing never‐before‐seen molecules, advancing them into an expanding pipeline of proprietary programs and strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Our most advanced preclinical programs are currently in vivo optimization, targeting diseases still waiting for effective treatments.
About Our Team
AQEMIA brings together a diverse, multidisciplinary team of 65+ professionals based in Paris and London. Our scientists and engineers, including chemists, physicists, machine learning experts, and software engineers, work side by side to push the boundaries of early‐stage drug discovery. This close collaboration across disciplines enables us to tackle complex scientific challenges from first principles and translate cutting‐edge ideas into novel therapeutic candidates.
About the Molecular Simulations Team
The mission of the team is threefold:
- Support drug discovery programs by maximizing the impact of binding free energy calculations in decision‐making
- Build, benchmark and continuously improve reproducible and scalable pipelines for binding free energy calculations, enabling support for multiple programs in parallel
- Collaborate closely with our Physics Research Team to integrate innovations from AQEMIA's proprietary binding free energy methods
Role Overview
As a Senior Application Research Scientist in the Molecular Simulations Team, you will be a scientific leader and technical expert, contributing to the strategy and delivery of AQEMIA's Binding Free Energy Technology and helping define and evolve how physics‐based simulations inform and accelerate drug discovery decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and lead large‐scale simulation studies (e.g., relative and absolute binding free energy predictions)
- Evaluate and improve modelling protocols for reproducibility, accuracy, and efficiency
- Serve as a mentor to junior scientists, promoting best practices in simulation and analysis
- Contribute to cross‐functional planning and the integration of simulations with experimental and AI‐based insights
- Stay at the forefront of developments in molecular simulations and suggest innovations to the team
- Support the development and scaling of workflows that can serve multiple drug discovery projects
- Work closely with the Research Team to implement improvements and updates to AQEMIA's proprietary binding free energy methods
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, Biophysics, Statistical Mechanics, or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in molecular simulations, ideally within an industrial drug discovery context
- Deep knowledge of free energy methods, molecular dynamics, and simulation software
- Experience running and analysing binding free energy calculations
- Strong programming/scripting ability (Python) and experience with code sharing platforms (GitHub)
- Demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and communicate effectively across disciplines
Nice‐to‐Have
- Experience in machine learning applications for physics‐based modelling
- Track record of scientific publications and contributions to the computational drug discovery community
Preferred Mindset
- Scientific Rigour: Champion high scientific standards and promote best practices across the team.
- Humble and Willing to Learn: Lead by example with curiosity and openness to new ideas.
- Excited by Challenging Scientific Problems: Passionate about solving complex, cutting‐edge problems and guiding others through them.
- Pragmatic and Impact‐Driven: Combine strategic thinking with practical execution to deliver real‐world impact in a fast‐paced environment.
- Leadership through Influence: Inspire and mentor colleagues while fostering a collaborative, high‐performance culture.
Benefits
- Expanding Drug Discovery Pipeline: Focused on critical therapeutic areas such as Oncology, CNS, and immuno‐inflammation, with in vivo proof‐of‐concept and patent‐stage programs, and collaborations with top pharma.
- World‐Class Interdisciplinary Team: Work alongside exceptional talent at the intersection of technology and life sciences.
- DeepTech Recognition: Proud member of the French Tech 120 and France 2030, highlighting our role as a key player in Europe's DeepTech ecosystem.
- Prime Location with Flexibility: Offices in Paris and London (King's Cross) with flexible work arrangements including up to two remote days per week.
- Strong Financial Backing: Approximately $100M raised from leading European and international investors.
Senior Application Research Scientist in London employer: Aqemia
AQEMIA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of drug discovery in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a world-class interdisciplinary team based in prime locations like Paris and London, employees benefit from flexible work arrangements, strong financial backing, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking therapeutic advancements. The company fosters a culture of scientific rigor and mentorship, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity for personal and professional growth while tackling complex scientific challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Application Research Scientist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the drug discovery field, especially those at AQEMIA. Use LinkedIn or industry events to connect and chat about their experiences. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into AQEMIA's work. Familiarise yourself with their QEMI platform and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of molecular simulations and binding free energy methods. We want to see you shine in discussions about your expertise and how it can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our innovative team at AQEMIA.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Application Research Scientist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Application Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in molecular simulations and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in binding free energy calculations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're excited about AQEMIA and how your background fits with our mission. Share specific examples of your work that align with our focus on drug discovery and innovation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your programming abilities, especially in Python, and any experience with simulation software. We want to see how you can contribute to our team’s technical expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aqemia
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of molecular simulations and binding free energy methods. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially any large-scale simulation studies you've led. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Application Research Scientist, you'll be expected to mentor junior scientists. Think of examples where you've led projects or guided others in their work. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and how you foster collaboration within a team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to programming and simulation software. Brush up on Python and any relevant tools you’ve used. It’s a good idea to prepare for practical scenarios where you might need to solve a problem on the spot or explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
AQEMIA values creativity and innovation in drug discovery. Be ready to discuss any new ideas or improvements you've implemented in your previous roles. Show enthusiasm for tackling challenging scientific problems and how you stay updated with the latest developments in the field.
