At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and apply AI/ML models for drug discovery and collaborate with diverse scientific teams.
- Company: Join a leading research organisation at Chesterford Research Park, driving innovation in AI.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous bonuses, health benefits, and a non-contributory pension.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery using cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: PhD or significant industry experience in AI/ML and strong Python programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are now looking for a Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning to strengthen and expand our AI-enabled drug discovery capability at the Chesterford Research Park site. This role is central to operationalizing our AI/ML strategy and delivering high-quality, data‑driven insights across integrated drug discovery programmes.
Candidate Eligibility
Candidates must have full and permanent Right to Work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship.
You Will
- Develop, deploy, and apply AI/ML models for molecular design, prediction, and decision making.
- Apply AI/ML and (chemo)informatics to support high-quality scientific decisions across client programmes.
- Drive innovation in AI, automation, and in silico strategies, accelerating progression from hit to candidate.
- Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, computational scientists, project leaders, and clients.
- Present scientific results, challenges, and recommendations clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain awareness of emerging AI/ML technologies and scientific literature, sharing knowledge across teams.
- Contribute to scientific proposals, client presentations, and business development activities.
- Mentor and support colleagues, helping to build informatics and AI capability across the organisation.
- Function as an ambassador for Charles River at conferences and external scientific events when required.
Essential Qualifications
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, AI/ML, Chemoinformatics, or a related discipline, or BSc/MSc in chemistry or computer science with significant industry experience applying AI/ML in drug discovery.
- Demonstrable experience developing and deploying AI/ML methods in a drug discovery environment.
- Strong Python programming skills, including experience with Jupyter notebooks and modern IDEs.
- Experience working with structured and unstructured data.
- Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, project-based teams.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and pragmatically.
Desirable Qualifications
- Industry experience within a CRO or pharmaceutical drug discovery organisation.
- Sound understanding of the mathematics and statistics underpinning AI/ML.
- Experience using commercial and open source molecular modelling software.
- Exposure to bioinformatics or biologics-focused data.
Additional Information
This role is hybrid/onsite, with regular attendance required at our Chesterford Research Park (Saffron Walden) site. Travel may be required for client meetings and scientific conferences.
Benefits
A competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including a generous bonus, non-contributory pension, health, dental and more.
Senior Scientist - AI/ML employer: Charles River Laboratories
At Charles River, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Senior Scientist - AI/ML role at the Chesterford Research Park. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering a competitive benefits package that includes a generous bonus and comprehensive health coverage. With opportunities to mentor colleagues and engage in cutting-edge research, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing drug discovery through AI and machine learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist - AI/ML
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the AI/ML and drug discovery fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in AI/ML. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios, especially in drug discovery.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly when you see a role that fits. We love seeing proactive candidates who are eager to join our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your projects! Whether it's through a portfolio or GitHub, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart. Highlight any AI/ML models you've developed and their impact on drug discovery.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist - AI/ML
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/ML and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your Python programming skills and any experience with Jupyter notebooks. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make those skills stand out in your application!
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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 your previous projects. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in multidisciplinary environments. Highlight any experiences where you’ve communicated complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to bridge gaps between science and business.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions about Python programming and data handling. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practising with Jupyter notebooks can help you feel more comfortable discussing your coding process during the interview.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Keep an eye on emerging AI/ML technologies and scientific literature. Being able to discuss recent advancements or trends in the field will show your passion and commitment to continuous learning. It’s a great way to impress your interviewers and position yourself as a forward-thinking candidate.
