At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build AI solutions for drug discovery, impacting real-world health outcomes.
- Company: Fast-growing life sciences tech organisation focused on innovative drug discovery.
- Benefits: Career development, collaborative culture, and exposure to cutting-edge molecular AI tools.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on drug discovery while working at the intersection of science and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in molecular AI or computational chemistry; strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is for AI research engineers who want to design, build, and productionise cutting-edge AI solutions for drug discovery. You will develop advanced models to predict molecular properties (ADMET, potency, binding) using deep learning and physics-based approaches, integrating them into production-grade software used daily by chemists. Your work will have a tangible impact on real-world drug programmes, influencing experimental decisions, accelerating project timelines, and reducing dead ends in discovery.
The client is a fast-growing life sciences technology organisation applying AI to accelerate drug discovery across oncology, dementia, inflammation, and global health. They specialise in turning curated, non-public experimental molecular property data into actionable insights for chemists. The company values collaboration, scientific rigour, and ownership, creating a culture where engineers can shape the technological framework from inception and work at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and machine learning.
Key responsibilities
- Design, develop, and productionise molecular property prediction models using deep learning and physics-based approaches.
- Integrate advanced algorithms into core platform services for chemists, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.
- Build and maintain software interfaces, APIs, and distributed systems supporting AI-driven workflows.
- Support internal and external users by understanding workflows, gathering feedback, and translating scientific needs into actionable product improvements.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and product stakeholders to deliver robust, user-centred solutions.
- Ensure software quality through code reviews, testing, maintainable practices, and long-term system reliability.
- Present research findings through publications, technical documents, conferences, and industry forums.
Skills & expertise
- PhD, Postdoc, or equivalent industry experience in molecular AI, computational chemistry, or related fields.
- Strong Python and scientific computing skills, including experience with deep learning frameworks for molecular modelling.
- Hands‐on experience with molecular docking, scoring, and molecular dynamics simulations.
- Experience productionising research code into scalable, robust, and maintainable systems.
- Proven ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non‐technical audiences.
- Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles relevant to scientific software.
Nice to have
- Publications in peer‐reviewed journals related to molecular AI, structure prediction, or computational drug discovery.
- Experience deploying machine learning models into production environments.
- Contributions to open‐source scientific software (e.g., RDKit, OpenMM, PyTorch, or related tools).
Career development and professional growth opportunities. Collaborative culture with a focus on scientific impact and innovation. Exposure to cutting‐edge molecular AI tools and workflows. Opportunity to work on high‐impact drug discovery programmes with real‐world outcomes.
AI Research Engineer (Molecular AI) in London employer: Aspire Life Sciences Search
As a fast-growing life sciences technology organisation, we offer AI Research Engineers the chance to work at the forefront of drug discovery, where your contributions will directly influence real-world health outcomes. Our collaborative culture fosters scientific rigour and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while you engage with cutting-edge molecular AI tools. Join us in a dynamic environment that values ownership and teamwork, ensuring that your work not only accelerates project timelines but also makes a meaningful impact on global health challenges.
Contact Details:
Aspire Life Sciences Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Research Engineer (Molecular AI) in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace AI Research Engineer (Molecular AI) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Aspire Life Sciences Search that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Aspire Life Sciences Search.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Aspire Life Sciences Search does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire Life Sciences Search
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Aspire Life Sciences Search. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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