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- Tasks: Lead innovative AI drug discovery projects and develop cutting-edge protein design strategies.
- Company: Pioneering biotech firm focused on transforming healthcare through advanced science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the biotech field and lead groundbreaking scientific advancements.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong leadership experience in scientific research.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of protein engineering.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Role: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – AI Drug Discovery
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific & Platform Strategy
- Define and execute the protein design strategy, spanning:
- Target selection and mechanism definition
- De novo and structure-guided protein design
- Affinity, specificity, stability, and developability optimisation
- Set scientific priorities across platform development vs pipeline assets.
- Ensure model development is grounded in biophysical reality and experimental constraints.
- Oversee development and application of:
- Structure-based and generative protein design models
- Active learning loops integrating wet-lab feedback
- Lead or oversee protein expression, purification, and characterisation strategies.
- Ensure experimental programmes generate decision-quality data.
- Drive candidates toward preclinical relevance, including manufacturability and developability considerations.
- Interface with CROs, academic collaborators, and UK research institutes where appropriate.
- Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across:
- Assay development and biophysics
- Serve as the company’s scientific spokesperson to:
- Investors and board
- Strategic partners (pharma, biotech, academic)
- UK funding bodies and translational initiatives
Required Background
- Scientific Expertise
- PhD (or equivalent) in protein engineering, structural biology, computational biology, biophysics, or related field.
- Strong understanding of ML methods applied to protein sequence and structure.
- Proven ability to judge model reliability and experimental signal vs noise.
- Leadership Experience
- Senior scientific leadership experience in advanced academic translational research.
- Demonstrated track record of advancing protein programs, not just platform development.
- Technical Breadth
- Familiarity with protein structure prediction and modelling.
- Biophysical and functional protein assays.
- Ability to communicate fluently across ML, wet-lab biology, and therapeutic development.
Success Metrics
- Advancement of designed proteins from in silico concepts to validated leads.
- Demonstrated improvement in hit rate, speed, or quality via AI-driven design.
- Strong alignment between computational predictions and experimental outcomes.
- Scientific credibility with UK and international investors and partners.
- Retention and growth of high-performing scientific teams.
Ideal / Nice to Have
- Experience with biologics (enzymes, cytokines, antibodies, or novel scaffolds).
- Prior interaction with UK or EU translational funding.
- Experience scaling science from seed to Series A/B.
- Publications or patents in protein design or AI-enabled biology.
Chief Scientific Officer in Cambridge employer: S3 Science Recruitment
Contact Detail:
S3 Science Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Scientific Officer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meetups related to AI drug discovery. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects and successes in protein engineering or computational biology. This can really set you apart during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees or hiring managers on LinkedIn. Ask insightful questions about the company culture and projects; it shows genuine interest and can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on the latest trends in AI and protein design. Join online courses or webinars to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you great talking points in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Scientific Officer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Scientific Officer role. Highlight your experience in protein engineering and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI drug discovery and how your expertise can drive our scientific strategy. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to advancing protein programs or leading multidisciplinary teams. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at S3 Science Recruitment
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a Chief Scientific Officer, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of protein engineering and AI methods. Brush up on the latest advancements in these fields and be ready to discuss how they can be applied to drug discovery. Prepare specific examples from your past work that showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership experience, so think about times when you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive scientific projects forward, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to protein design, structure prediction, and biophysical assays. Review key concepts and methodologies, and consider how you would apply them in real-world scenarios. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s mission and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, particularly in advancing protein programs and improving hit rates through AI-driven design. Showing that you understand their strategic direction will set you apart.
