At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build AI-powered software for cutting-edge biotechnology projects.
- Company: Innovative start-up at the forefront of industrial biotechnology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a team revolutionising biotechnology with AI and robotics for real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI systems, biotech, and mentoring junior engineers.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is an innovative start-up operating at the cutting edge of industrial biotechnology, combining artificial intelligence, computational modelling, robotics, laboratory automation, and advanced data infrastructure to accelerate the development of high-performance enzymes through biocatalysis.
At the heart of the business is a proprietary closed-loop enzyme optimisation platform that integrates AI-guided protein engineering, high-throughput robotics, experimental validation, structured scientific databases, and iterative machine learning — enabling continuous improvement of enzyme performance in real-world industrial settings.
This is a deeply hands-on role for an ambitious engineer who wants to work on real-world AI systems operating at the intersection of machine learning, robotics, scientific experimentation, and industrial biotechnology.
Responsibilities- Design, build, and scale AI-powered software, machine learning infrastructure, and scientific data platforms
- Develop pipelines for biological, experimental, and robotics-generated datasets
- Build and deploy AI models and automation tools that accelerate scientific workflows and decision-making
- Help architect a closed-loop AI, robotics, and data platform
- Work closely with scientists and automation engineers to integrate AI with laboratory robotics and experimental workflows
- Rapidly prototype and deploy AI-enabled systems using modern engineering practices
- Use AI development tools and coding assistants to maximise development speed
- Contribute to scientific database architecture and scalable data infrastructure
- Solve complex problems across machine learning, data systems, and scientific computing
- Participate in technical planning and architecture discussions as the business scales
- Collaborate across AI, software, robotics, and science teams to build integrated systems
- Support and mentor junior engineers as the team grows
- Experience building AI systems in biotech, scientific computing, robotics, or other deep-tech environments
- Experience working with noisy, sparse, or highly specialised datasets
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools or automated engineering workflows
- Experience with cloud infrastructure, MLOps, distributed systems, or scalable AI platforms
- Familiarity with laboratory automation, robotics platforms, or closed-loop experimentation
- Experience in fast-moving startup or scale-up environments
- Experience mentoring engineers or contributing to technical leadership
- Interest in computational biology, protein engineering, or scientific AI systems
Founding AI Engineer - Biotechnology in Manchester employer: Discover International
As a pioneering start-up in the biotechnology sector, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a dynamic culture that encourages hands-on involvement in cutting-edge AI and robotics projects, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Located at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, this role not only promises meaningful contributions to scientific advancements but also positions you within a vibrant community dedicated to transforming the future of science and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding AI Engineer - Biotechnology in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Discover International. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Discover International!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding AI Engineer - Biotechnology in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Discover International that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Discover International.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Discover International does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Discover International
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Discover International. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Discover International's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Discover International. This shows your passion for the industry!
