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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, non-contributory pension, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for leadership and visibility in the scientific community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery using cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD or significant industry experience in AI/ML, strong Python skills, and teamwork abilities.
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
- 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 Saffron Walden 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 Saffron Walden
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Scientist role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI/ML projects, especially those related to drug discovery. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When reaching out to companies, make sure to tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their needs. Mention specific projects or technologies they use, like chemoinformatics or data analytics, to show you’ve done your homework.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at getting noticed. It’s a straightforward way to ensure your application lands in the right hands and shows your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience with AI/ML in drug discovery and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and drug discovery. Share specific examples of how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios, and don't forget to mention why you want to join us at Charles River.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong Python programming skills, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Python and any tools you've used, like Jupyter notebooks. We love seeing practical examples of your work, so feel free to include links to projects or GitHub repositories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
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 real-world projects. 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 that led to better project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them using AI/ML. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Stay Current and Curious
Demonstrate your passion for the field by discussing recent advancements in AI/ML and how they could apply to drug discovery. Mention any relevant literature you've read or conferences you've attended. This shows you're proactive and committed to continuous learning.