At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop generative AI methods for biological design and closed-loop discovery.
- Company: Join the innovative AI for Biology Group at the Earlham Institute in Norwich.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to state-of-the-art AI resources, and collaborative research environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape frontier AI for Biology, publish impactful research, and drive scientific discovery.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields, strong Python skills, and experience with AI frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46500 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (SC6) or Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist (SC5) to join Professor Ke Li’s AI for Biology Group in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
The AI for Biology Group will be newly established at the Earlham Institute (EI), while building on Professor Ke Li’s established and well-funded research programme in fundamental AI, AI co-scientists, and applications in complex scientific domains such as RNA sequence-function modelling, structure prediction, and inverse design.
At EI, the group will develop an ambitious Generative Digital Biology (GDB) programme, developing multimodal, cross-organism and experimentally grounded AI systems that can learn from biological data, support hypothesis generation, guide experimental design and accelerate discovery across EI's research programmes and technology platforms.
The successful candidate will have access to substantial AI compute, including in-house state-of-the-art H200 GPU servers, alongside further capacity through the Norwich Data Centre and access to national-scale AI compute through Isambard-AI. This provides a strong environment for frontier AI development and evaluation. Collaboration with the Earlham Biofoundry provides routes for model-guided experimental design and, where appropriate, closed-loop self-driving laboratory workflows supported by established lab automation.
We are seeking an ambitious researcher to develop generative AI methods for biological design and closed-loop discovery within a new AI for Biology Group at EI. The successful candidate will create novel AI algorithms that generate and refine biological designs, prioritise experiments, and learn from experimental feedback.
Building on Professor Ke Li’s established research programme, the role focuses on developing new AI methods for scientific discovery rather than simply applying existing approaches. The post offers extensive collaboration across the Institute, supporting AI-guided design-build-test-learn workflows, biological discovery, and the development of open algorithms, benchmarks, and reproducible research.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a frontier AI for Biology programme, publish high-impact research, and contribute to future funding applications.
Appointment will be made at SC6 (Postdoctoral Research Scientist) or SC5 (Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientist), according to the candidate's experience and evidence against the published criteria.
The successful candidate will have a PhD (awarded or expected within 6 months) in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline. They will have excellent Python programming skills and practical experience with leading AI frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX or TensorFlow, together with strong expertise in modern AI methods and depth in one or more of generative modelling, reinforcement learning, Bayesian optimisation, active learning, uncertainty quantification, causal modelling, or optimisation in complex search space.
Candidates should demonstrate experience developing original AI methods for scientific discovery, design, optimisation or decision-making rather than solely applying existing tools, together with evidence of high-quality research outputs commensurate with career stage. Experience at the interface of AI and biology, including biological foundation models, sequence design, genomics, single-cell data, synthetic biology or drug discovery, would be advantageous.
For appointment at SC5, candidates will additionally be expected to demonstrate experience in closed-loop or active experimental design, or an equivalent sequential decision-making setting with real-world feedback; a strong track record of independent or semi-independent research; the ability to develop and deliver a research direction with limited supervision; clear evidence of leading high-quality outputs; and the ability to coordinate collaborations, support junior researchers, and contribute substantively to publications and grant applications.
Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC6 level post, and £47,450 to £52,560 per annum for candidates who meet the SC5 level criteria. This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 months, with possible extension.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. The closing date for applications will be 4 September 2026.
(Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Generative AI and Closed-loop Discovery in Norwich employer: Earlham Institute
Earlham Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Norwich, where innovation meets collaboration. As a Predoctoral Intern, you will benefit from comprehensive training in both wet-lab and computational design, alongside opportunities for professional growth and the chance to present your research. The supportive culture fosters creativity and encourages the pursuit of meaningful contributions to plant sciences, making it an ideal place for aspiring scientists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Generative AI and Closed-loop Discovery in Norwich
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Earlham Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Earlham Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Generative AI and Closed-loop Discovery in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Earlham Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Earlham Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Earlham Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Earlham Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Earlham Institute to drive research projects forward.
