At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop AI/ML models for drug discovery, collaborating with scientists across disciplines.
- Company: Charles River, a leader in AI-enabled drug discovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonuses, health benefits, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career advancement and visibility in the scientific community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery using cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in AI/ML, strong Python skills, and teamwork abilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Charles River is seeking a Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning to expand our AI‑enabled drug discovery capability. This role is central to turning advanced AI/ML methods into real‑world impact across integrated drug discovery programmes, supporting clients from hit identification through candidate selection. You will operate with scientific independence, applying machine learning, chemoinformatics, and data science to complex drug discovery challenges while collaborating closely with chemists, biologists, and project leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, deploy, and apply AI/ML models for molecular design, prediction, prioritisation, and decision‑making.
- Apply machine learning, chemoinformatics, and data analytics to drive high‑quality scientific decisions across discovery programmes.
- Advance in silico, AI, and automation strategies to accelerate hit‑to‑candidate progression.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with medicinal chemists, biologists, computational scientists, and project leaders.
- Translate complex data into clear scientific insights and recommendations for internal teams and external clients.
- Stay current with emerging AI/ML technologies and scientific literature, sharing knowledge across teams.
- Contribute to scientific proposals, client presentations, and business development activities.
- Mentor colleagues and support the growth of informatics and AI capability across the organisation.
- Represent Charles River at scientific conferences and external meetings as required.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, AI / Machine Learning, Chemoinformatics, Data Science, or related field OR BSc / MSc in Chemistry or Computer Science with significant industry experience applying AI/ML in drug discovery.
- Proven experience developing and deploying AI/ML models in a drug discovery or life sciences environment.
- Strong Python programming skills, including use of Jupyter notebooks and modern IDEs.
- Experience working with structured and unstructured scientific data.
- Demonstrated success in multidisciplinary, project‑based teams.
- Excellent problem‑solving abilities and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
Preferred / Desirable Experience
- Industry experience within a CRO or pharmaceutical drug discovery organisation.
- Solid understanding of statistics and mathematical foundations of machine learning.
- Experience with commercial and open‑source molecular modelling and cheminformatics tools.
- Exposure to bioinformatics, biologics, or omics data.
Additional Information
- Hybrid / onsite role with regular presence required at Chesterford Research Park (Saffron Walden).
- Travel may be required for client meetings and scientific conferences.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary with generous bonus.
- Non‑contributory pension.
- Health, dental, and wellbeing benefits.
- Opportunities for scientific growth, leadership, and external visibility.
- The chance to shape the future of AI‑enabled drug discovery.
Locations
Senior Scientist - AI / Machine Learning in Essex, Saffron Walden employer: Charles River Laboratories
At Charles River, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of AI-enabled drug discovery. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health and wellbeing packages, and ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership development, all within the inspiring environment of Chesterford Research Park. Join us to make a meaningful impact in advancing drug discovery while working alongside a talented team dedicated to scientific excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist - AI / Machine Learning in Essex, Saffron Walden
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone at Charles River.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with AI/ML in drug discovery. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how they made an impact. This is your time to shine!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework on Charles River and their current projects. Tailor your discussions to show how your skills in machine learning and data science can directly contribute to their goals. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Follow Up
After interviews or networking events, don’t forget to send a quick thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist - AI / Machine Learning in Essex, Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your AI/ML projects, especially those related to drug discovery, and don’t forget to mention any collaborative work with chemists or biologists.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about AI in drug discovery and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific technologies or methodologies you’ve worked with.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of complex challenges you've tackled using AI/ML. We love seeing how you approach problems and the impact your solutions had on previous projects, so make it clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Know Your AI/ML Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest AI and machine learning techniques relevant to drug discovery. Be ready to discuss specific models you've developed or deployed, and how they made a real-world impact. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also practical in applying your skills.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with chemists, biologists, and project leaders, be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations. Highlight how you’ve communicated complex concepts to non-technical team members and how you’ve contributed to multidisciplinary projects.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face some tricky problem-solving scenarios during the interview. Think about challenges you've encountered in your previous roles and how you tackled them using AI/ML. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Stay Current and Share Insights
Demonstrate your passion for the field by discussing recent advancements in AI/ML that excite you. Bring along insights from scientific literature or conferences you've attended. This shows you're proactive about staying updated and willing to share knowledge with the team.
