Head of AI

An ambitious, deep-tech organisation at the forefront of biotechnology and artificial intelligence is seeking a visionary Head of AI to lead the development of next-generation biological foundation models.

Underpinned by the world’s most comprehensive and ethically sourced database of natural biodiversity, our platform enables cutting-edge research and discovery across academia and industry. Following a successful Series B funding round (£47 million), we are expanding our AI capabilities to develop state-of-the-art models and algorithms that will shape the future of biology and bioengineering.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing AI team, influence partnerships with global technology leaders, and build on an exceptional data infrastructure that is entirely new to science.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of AI and machine learning researchers/engineers, providing technical direction and fostering a culture of creativity and rigour
• Design and implement novel AI/ML models and algorithms, balancing exploratory research with robust, scalable solutions
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of biologists, bioinformaticians, and engineers to translate research objectives into applied outcomes
• Oversee multiple concurrent research streams, ensuring strategic alignment with organisational goals
• Contribute to the overall AI systems architecture, supporting the transition from research prototypes to production-level tools
• Represent the company’s AI leadership through academic and industry collaborations, conferences, and publications
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior and senior members of the AI team
• Shape and execute a long-term AI strategy rooted in novel biological data and real-world application

Essential

• A postgraduate degree (PhD or MSc) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology or a related field
• At least 5 years of industry experience in AI/ML research or engineering, with a minimum of 4 years in a technical leadership role or 3 years in people management
• A strong publication record or equivalent practical expertise in areas such as generative AI, deep learning, or computational biology
• Proven experience applying AI techniques to biological challenges, particularly in areas like protein design or genomics
• Demonstrated success in leading high-impact AI projects and delivering real-world solutions
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience training large generative models, including distributed training across GPU clusters or cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, Lambda)
• Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities

Desirable

• Experience in protein or DNA bioinformatics
• Proficiency in MLOps and machine learning infrastructure
• Background in software engineering and data pipelines (e.g. using Airflow)
• Familiarity with cloud-based model deployment
• Exposure to Agile project management methodologies

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven biotechnology from both a strategic and technical perspective, working with a uniquely rich dataset and an ambitious cross-functional team.

Your consultant

As a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Aspire Life Sciences, Julien Funes' expertise lies at the nexus of technology and life sciences. He recruits top Machine Learning and data talent for Biotech and life sciences startups across Europe and North America. He is committed to advancing the industry by sourcing and securing top-tier talent for roles in these critical sectors. His approach enables him to effectively match candidates with opportunities where technological innovation meets life science excellence.