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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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨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 gig.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with AI/ML models and how you've tackled drug discovery challenges. Let them see your passion and expertise in action.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to fit Charles River's needs. Highlight how your skills in chemoinformatics and data science can directly impact their drug discovery programmes.
✨Follow Up and Stay Engaged
After any meeting or networking event, drop a quick follow-up message. It shows you're keen and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to remind them of your unique qualifications for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – AI / Machine Learning in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in AI/ML and drug discovery. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
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 you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
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 sure we know what tools you’re comfortable with!
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 Charles River!
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 tricky problem-solving scenarios during the interview. Think about challenges you've encountered in your past work and how you approached them. 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 and how they could be applied to drug discovery. Bring along any interesting articles or papers you've read, and be ready to share your thoughts on them. This shows you're proactive and engaged in ongoing learning.