At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative drug discovery projects and provide biological support across diverse therapeutic areas.
- Company: AQEMIA, a pioneering drug invention company transforming medicine with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and the chance to impact real-world health solutions.
- Other info: Collaborate with top talent in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and shape the future of drug discovery with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in biological sciences or relevant experience in drug discovery, especially in oncology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About AQEMIA
AQEMIA is a drug invention company dedicated to creating entirely new medicines to address major unmet medical needs. At the core of our mission is QEMI, our proprietary molecule-invention platform, which uniquely combines cutting‑edge science with advanced technology. Powered by physics‑based modeling, statistical mechanics, and generative AI, QEMI allows our teams to design novel drug candidates from first principles. What makes AQEMIA different is our commitment to true innovation: our research is dedicated to the invention of new molecular entities, not the refinement of existing ones. We focus on inventing never‑before‑seen molecules, without relying on experimental data, and advancing them into a growing pipeline of proprietary programs and strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies.
About our Team
AQEMIA brings together a diverse, multidisciplinary team of 65+ professionals based in Paris and London. Our scientists and engineers, including chemists, physicists, machine learning experts, and software engineers, work side by side to push the boundaries of early‑stage drug discovery. This close collaboration across disciplines is central to our approach, enabling us to tackle complex scientific challenges from first principles and translate cutting‑edge ideas into novel therapeutic candidates. At AQEMIA, team members are encouraged to contribute their expertise, learn from one another, and play an active role in shaping the future of drug invention.
Principal Biology role
Join Aqemia in a role where you will help shape our rapidly expanding portfolio of small molecule programs across diverse therapeutic areas, beginning with oncology and immuno‑oncology. This is a unique chance to build a pipeline working closely with the VP of biology, and multidisciplinary teams to accelerate the discovery of clinical candidates. You’ll become part of a dedicated team focusing on providing biological support across the Aqemia portfolio. We provide an inspiring and ambitious work environment, where we are changing the way drug discovery is performed. Reporting to the VP of biology, you have a rare opportunity to impact our portfolio progression. We do not have an internal wetlab to keep agility, thus we work with leading Contract Research Organizations (CROs) for synthesis, in vitro assays, and in vivo assays.
Your responsibilities
- Driving and facilitating new drug discovery project ideas providing biological support in identifying, validating and selecting targets with clear unmet needs in disease.
- Supporting early internal innovation activities with strong molecular understanding, biological insights, and a value chain overview.
- Integrating successful projects into the Aqemia research pipeline, guiding them towards proof of concept.
- Supporting project teams with screening cascade design and maintenance.
- Interacting with external contract research organisations to identify appropriate models to deliver high quality datasets supporting project progression.
What makes you a perfect fit
We are looking for an objective‑driven biologist who:
- Challenges themselves and others while integrating expertise from internal teams.
- Has a passion for bringing new drugs to market with a proactive and can‑do attitude.
- Utilizes a data‑driven and rigorous approach.
- Values team success over individual achievements and excels in concise, efficient communication.
Your qualifications & skills
- Education: A Ph.D. in biological sciences (such as pharmacology, chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology), or alternatively, a master’s degree with significant relevant industrial research experience.
- Experience: Strong background in drug discovery, with experience in transitioning projects from hit identification to candidate nomination. Preferably, 8+ years of relevant industrial experience within early drug discovery and ideation.
- Hands‑on skills: Wet lab experience to effectively challenge and collaborate with CROs.
- Specialization: Experience in oncology and/or immuno‑oncology is mandatory. A talent for driving and fostering innovation closely aligned with business strategies.
- Soft skills: The ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment, with resilience in the face of challenges, setbacks, and ambiguity. Experience in supporting project teams in identifying risks within their projects. Experience in research project management in multidisciplinary teams in a complex stakeholder environment is an advantage.
Why Join Us?
At AQEMIA, we work for a mission: joining us means having your own impact on changing the way drugs are discovered, and helping to shape the direction of our fast‑growing company and team.
- Expanding Drug Discovery Pipeline Focused on critical therapeutic areas like Oncology, CNS, Immuno‑inflammation… with in vivo proof of concept/patent stage programs.
- Collaborations with top Pharma, including a $140M Sanofi deal.
- World‑Class Interdisciplinary Team Work alongside exceptional talent at the intersection of technology and life sciences. Our teams combine deep expertise in AI, physics‑based modeling, biology, and medicinal chemistry to push the boundaries of innovation.
- DeepTech Recognition AQEMIA is proud to be part of the French Tech 120 and France 2030, highlighting our role as a key player in Europe’s DeepTech ecosystem.
- Prime Location with Flexibility Our offices are located in the heart of Paris and London (King’s Cross), with flexible work arrangements including up to two remote days per week.
- Strong Financial Backing $100M raised from leading European and International investors.
Principal Biologist employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
AQEMIA is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on drug discovery. With a world-class interdisciplinary team based in the vibrant cities of Paris and London, we offer flexible work arrangements, strong financial backing, and opportunities for professional growth in cutting-edge therapeutic areas. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company that values your expertise and encourages you to shape the future of medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Biologist
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Biologist
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co'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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. This shows your passion for the industry!
