Director of AI / ML Drug Discovery

Director of AI / ML Drug Discovery

Full-Time 120000 - 180000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
KEMIO Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented AI/ML team to revolutionise drug discovery using cutting-edge technology.
  • Company: Exciting stealth-mode biotech company transforming R&D with AI and machine learning.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and the chance to shape groundbreaking therapeutics.
  • Other info: Unique opportunity to influence the AI roadmap in a dynamic biotech environment.
  • Why this job: Join a visionary team and make a real impact on the future of medicine.
  • Qualifications: PhD or MD in relevant fields and proven leadership in AI/ML.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.

Location: London (Hybrid)

Company: Stealth-mode AI/ML Biotech

KEMIO Consulting is working exclusively with one of the most exciting next-generation biotech companies — a stealth organisation using AI and machine learning to completely reimagine how drugs are discovered. They’re not just talking about “data-driven discovery” — they’re doing it. Building new engines for insight, creating intelligent systems that accelerate target discovery, and translating complex biological data into life-changing therapeutics.

As Director of AI/ML, you’ll lead a brilliant, multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, ML researchers, and engineers — shaping how AI drives the company’s R&D strategy. You’ll combine scientific depth with strategic vision to design and implement high-impact analytics, from biomarker discovery and patient stratification to new therapeutic concepts.

You’ll:

  • Lead and grow a talented AI/ML team (5–8 specialists) within a cutting-edge R&D environment
  • Guide the design, testing, and deployment of next-generation AI models and computational pipelines
  • Collaborate with biology, data, and IT teams to turn algorithms into real drug-discovery impact
  • Shape the organisation’s AI roadmap and represent the function at leadership level
  • Build frameworks for scientific rigour, operational excellence, and innovation at scale

So who are we looking for?

You’re a scientist, strategist, and builder — someone who thrives at the intersection of AI/ML, biology, and leadership. You bring both technical gravitas and emotional intelligence, capable of leading experts and influencing peers across a complex R&D ecosystem.

You’ll likely have:

  • A PhD or MD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Physics, or a related field
  • Proven experience leading AI/ML teams within pharma, biotech, or techbio
  • Strong technical depth in advanced analytics, ML, data science, or software engineering
  • Familiarity with cloud-based infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate science into strategy

This is a rare opportunity to shape the AI engine behind a stealth biotech that’s changing how the world thinks about drug discovery. You’ll work with visionary leaders, the latest technology, and a shared mission: to transform R&D and deliver first-in-class therapeutics through the power of data.

For a confidential discussion contact KEMIO Consulting to explore this opportunity in confidence.

Director of AI / ML Drug Discovery employer: KEMIO Consulting

At KEMIO Consulting, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation in the biotech sector, particularly in AI and machine learning applications for drug discovery. Our London-based team thrives in a dynamic, hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity, offering exceptional growth opportunities for employees to lead transformative projects. Join us to be part of a visionary organisation where your expertise will directly contribute to groundbreaking advancements in therapeutics, all while enjoying a supportive culture that values scientific excellence and operational innovation.

KEMIO Consulting

Contact Details:

KEMIO Consulting Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of AI / ML Drug Discovery

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the biotech and AI/ML space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects, research, and any relevant work. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead a talented team and drive innovation in drug discovery.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and the company culture. This not only shows your interest but can also give you valuable insights to use in interviews.

Tip Number 4

Keep it real during interviews! Be prepared to discuss how you would shape the AI roadmap and lead a multi-disciplinary team. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your strategic vision and technical depth. And remember, we’re all about transforming drug discovery, so let that passion shine through!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of AI / ML Drug Discovery

AI/ML Expertise
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Advanced Analytics
Data Science
Software Engineering
Cloud-Based Infrastructure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for AI/ML:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and machine learning shine through. We want to see how you connect these technologies with drug discovery and why you're excited about the potential impact.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading AI/ML teams and any specific projects that align with our mission at StudySmarter. This shows us you’re serious about the position!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at KEMIO Consulting

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and ML, especially as they relate to drug discovery. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they align with the company's mission. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in their work.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you influence peers and drive projects forward.

Collaborate and Communicate

Since this role involves working with various teams, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a way that's easy to understand. Think about how you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare for Strategic Questions

Expect questions that assess your strategic vision for AI in drug discovery. Think about how you would shape the organisation's AI roadmap and be ready to discuss your ideas. This is your chance to showcase your innovative thinking and how you can contribute to their R&D strategy.