At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects in computational biology and machine learning for drug development.
- Company: Innovative biotech firm focused on real-world scientific discoveries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with excellent growth potential and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by translating cutting-edge science into practical solutions.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in relevant fields with industry experience in ML applications.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Principal Computational Scientist/Director to help translate our foundation models into impactful, real-world discovery workflows. In this role, you’ll provide scientific leadership across model evaluation and applied use cases, ensuring our work stays grounded in the most relevant challenges in drug development and translational research.
You’ll join as a senior individual contributor with leadership and strategy experience at a point where the team scales. You will act as a key scientific partner to our research team, mentor and support junior colleagues, and work closely with Product and Business Development to turn cutting-edge biology + ML into deliverables that matter for customers.
Requirements
- PhD in Computational Biology, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, or a related field, with a strong focus on Transcriptomics OR Genomics + ML, and 2+ years of industry (non-academic) experience OR MSc in a relevant field and 5+ years of industry experience applying ML to Transcriptomics OR Genomics problems
- Strong understanding of ML/AI methods for biological data (e.g., transformers, VAEs, diffusion models, classical ML)
- Hands-on experience with modern ML frameworks such as PyTorch (or equivalent)
- Leadership experience with small teams to work towards defined roadmaps or projects
- Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex science into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-iteration environment, moving quickly from prototype → experiment → insight
- Strong passion for building at the intersection of biology and machine learning
Principal Scientist (Comp. Bio/ML) - Director Level in London employer: Helical
Helical is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of drug discovery through innovative AI solutions. With a founder-led, talent-dense team based in London, we foster a fast-paced work culture that values ownership and creativity, offering interns the chance to work directly with senior leadership and shape the future of our operations. Our commitment to employee growth is evident as we provide opportunities for full-time positions and encourage the use of cutting-edge tools to transform workflows, making every day at Helical a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist (Comp. Bio/ML) - Director Level in London
✨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 Helical. 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 Helical!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist (Comp. Bio/ML) - Director Level in London
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 Helical 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 Helical.
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 Helical 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 Helical
✨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 Helical. 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 Helical'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 Helical. This shows your passion for the industry!
