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- 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 with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonuses, health benefits, and opportunities for scientific 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 MSc in relevant fields with experience in AI/ML applications in drug discovery.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning in Leicester employer: Charles River Laboratories
Contact Detail:
Charles River Laboratories Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning in Leicester
✨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
Don’t just send out generic applications. Research Charles River and tailor your conversations to show how your skills align with their mission in AI-enabled drug discovery. Make it clear why you're the perfect fit for their team!
✨Follow Up
After any interaction, whether it's an interview or a networking event, don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce your interest in joining Charles River.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match 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. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of complex challenges you've tackled using machine learning or data science. We love seeing how you approach problems and come up with innovative solutions, so don’t hold back!
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 impacted previous projects. This shows you're not just familiar with theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your 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 that led to better project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face some challenging problem-solving questions during your interview. Think about past experiences where you tackled complex drug discovery challenges using AI/ML. Walk through your thought process clearly, demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Stay Current and Share Insights
Keep up with the latest trends in AI/ML and drug discovery. Be ready to discuss recent papers or technologies that excite you. Showing that you’re proactive about learning and sharing knowledge can set you apart as a candidate who’s genuinely passionate about the field.