At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop machine learning methods for designing synthesizable molecules and optimise workflows.
- Company: Join Roche and Genentech's innovative AI for Drug Discovery team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for scientific publications and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in machine learning or related field; strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join the small-molecule team within AI for Drug Discovery (AI4DD) at Roche and Genentech’s Computational Sciences Center of Excellence as a Machine Learning Scientist / Senior Machine Learning Scientist in Synthesis Planning and Optimization. You will build ML methods that design molecules we can actually make — closing the loop between generative design and automated synthesis.
The Opportunity
- Develop and advance machine learning methods for synthesis-aware molecular design across retrosynthesis, synthesis planning, molecular generation, and search in synthesizable chemical spaces.
- Integrate proprietary reaction and biochemical data to design the next generation of synthesis-aware models and workflows for hit finding and optimisation.
- Build robust, scalable pipelines for active-learning loops that interface directly with automated and high-throughput synthesis platforms.
- Design novel batch synthesis-planning algorithms that maximise chemical-space coverage, information gain and experimental efficiency.
- Drive scientific impact through publications, open-source releases, and conference talks.
- Collaborate widely with computational and experimental researchers at Roche and with academic partners.
Who you are
- You bring deep machine-learning expertise with a strong foundation in linear algebra, probability and optimization, and hands‑on experience in modern machine learning approaches such as graph‑neural networks, sequence/language models and reinforcement learning.
- You are familiar with chemistry concepts relevant to synthesis planning and molecular optimisation as well as small molecule data and cheminformatics toolkits such as RDKit or Openeye.
- You are fluent in Python and have experience with modern ML frameworks like PyTorch or JAX as well as scientific software development.
- You hold a PhD or equivalent research depth in machine learning, computational chemistry, chemical engineering or a related quantitative field such as physics or statistics.
- You have a record of scientific excellence evidenced by journal and conference publications or a public portfolio of relevant projects (e.g. hosted on GitHub/GitLab).
Preferred
- Experience with retrosynthesis or synthesis‑planning models.
- Experience with automated/high-throughput synthesis.
If designing molecules that move from screen to synthesis to patients excites you, apply now and help build self-driving discovery at Roche.
Machine Learning Scientist - Synthesis Planning and Optimization in Welwyn employer: Roche
At Roche and Genentech, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to drive scientific advancements in drug discovery. As a Machine Learning Scientist in our San Francisco location, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare through your work in synthesis planning and optimization. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages open communication, and supports your career development while contributing to life-changing discoveries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Learning Scientist - Synthesis Planning and Optimization in Welwyn
✨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!
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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 Roche!
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Learning Scientist - Synthesis Planning and Optimization in Welwyn
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 Roche 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 Roche.
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 Roche 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 Roche
✨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 Roche. 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 Roche'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 Roche. This shows your passion for the industry!
