At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of AI systems for drug discovery and automate the scientific method.
- Company: Owkin, an innovative AI company focused on biology and therapeutics.
- Benefits: Flexible work, friendly environment, and collaboration with an international team.
- Other info: Opportunity to publish high-impact research and make a real-world impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission to revolutionise drug discovery with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in agentic AI, Python skills, and a PhD or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
About us
Owkin is an AI company on a mission to solve the complexity of biology. It is building the first Biology Super Intelligence (BASI) by combining powerful biological large language models, multimodal patient data, and agentic software. At the heart of this system is Owkin K, an AI copilot and its new LLM fine‑tuned on biology called Owkin Zero, used by researchers, clinicians, and drug developers to better understand biology, validate scientific hypotheses, and deliver better diagnostics and therapies faster.
About the role:
We are looking for a visionary ML/AI Scientist to lead the development of our AI Scientist—an autonomous agentic system designed to navigate the complexities of drug discovery. This role isn't just about training models; it's about building "scientists in a box" that can reason over biological data, design experiments, and autonomously drive therapeutic breakthroughs. Unlike traditional ML roles that focus on single-task optimization, you will be building a meta-researcher. You’ll be at the heart of Owkin’s mission, creating the engine that will discover the next generation of life‑saving therapeutics.
In particular, you will:
- Architect Agentic Systems: Design and implement sophisticated AI agents capable of multi‑step reasoning, tool‑use, and self‑correction.
- Bridge AI and Wet‑Lab: Develop frameworks where agents can propose hypotheses and design "optimal experiments" to be validated in the lab.
- Scale the "Hacker" Approach: Rapidly prototype and iterate on agentic architectures, moving from paper to production‑grade code with speed and precision.
- Scientific Leadership: Maintain a watch on the frontier of GenAI and Agentic workflows, publishing high‑impact research at the intersection of AI, Biology and Chemistry.
About you
The successful candidate possesses a "hacker spirit"—you don’t just wait for the perfect dataset; you build the tools to find it. You are independent, deeply curious, and obsessed with the idea of automating the scientific method.
Core Requirements:
- Demonstrated Expertise in Agentic AI: Deep understanding of LLM reasoning (Chain‑of‑Thought, ReAct), long‑context management, and tool‑augmented generation.
- The Hacker Toolkit: Expert‑level Python skills with a focus on "building." You should be comfortable writing clean, modular code that interfaces with complex APIs and databases.
- Publication Record: History of contributions to top‑tier ML conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR).
- Technical Foundation: PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or Applied Mathematics (or equivalent high‑level industry experience).
- Communication: Ability to explain complex agent behaviors to both AI peers and biological experts. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Fluent in English (French is a plus). Team first, highly collaborative mindset.
Preferred Qualifications (The "Big Plus")
We are especially interested in candidates who bring Computational Biology or Chemistry expertise to the table.
- Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of the "central dogma" data stack—from processing raw sequencing (omics) to interpreting the physics and geometry of macromolecular structures.
- Closed‑loop Discovery: Experience in Active Learning, Bayesian Optimization, or Optimal Experimental Design.
- Systems Engineering: Experience training and deploying large‑scale models or managing complex multi‑agent orchestrations.
- Causal Inference: Experience in understanding "response to treatment" or causal discovery in biological systems.
- Industry Impact: Proven track record of taking a research concept and turning it into a functional tool used by other scientists.
What we offer
- Flexible work organization
- Friendly and informal working environment
- Opportunity to work with an international team with high technical and scientific backgrounds
Owkin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status or on the basis of disability.
Senior AI Scientist/Lead AI Scientist employer: Owkin
Owkin is an exceptional employer for those passionate about AI and biology, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and creativity. With flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of experts, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery. The company's commitment to equal opportunity ensures a supportive environment where every voice is valued, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AI Scientist/Lead AI Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI and biology fields on LinkedIn or at conferences. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to agentic AI or drug discovery. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your past work and how it relates to building autonomous systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior AI Scientist/Lead AI Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Senior AI Scientist. Highlight your expertise in agentic AI and any relevant projects you've worked on that showcase your 'hacker spirit'.
Showcase Your Publications:If you've published in top-tier ML conferences, make it easy for us to find those! Include a section in your CV dedicated to your publication record, as this will demonstrate your contributions to the field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to explain complex concepts, especially if you're discussing your experience with AI and biology. We want to see your communication skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Owkin
✨Know Your AI Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest advancements in agentic AI and large language models. Be ready to discuss your understanding of concepts like Chain-of-Thought and ReAct, as well as how they apply to real-world scenarios in drug discovery.
✨Show Off Your Hacker Spirit
Prepare examples that showcase your 'hacker spirit'. Talk about projects where you built tools or frameworks from scratch, especially those that involved complex APIs or databases. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
Practice explaining intricate AI behaviours and biological concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. You might be asked to bridge the gap between AI and biology, so being able to communicate effectively with both experts is key.
✨Bring Your Publication Game
Be ready to discuss your publication history and any contributions to top-tier ML conferences. Highlight how your research has impacted the field and how it relates to Owkin's mission of advancing therapeutic breakthroughs.
