Machine Learning Lead Engineer

Machine Learning Lead Engineer

Full-Time 145000 - 145000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in developing cutting-edge AI models for drug discovery.
  • Company: AI-native biotech startup transforming medicine with innovative technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, significant equity, and a collaborative culture.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding field.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on human health through frontier AI and scientific research.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in ML engineering and deep learning systems.

The predicted salary is between 145000 - 145000 £ per year.

We’re an AI-native biotech company building foundation models for biology to transform how new medicines are discovered. By combining large-scale multimodal biological datasets with probabilistic machine learning and generative AI, we’re developing systems capable of predicting complex biological behaviour at unprecedented scale. Our mission is to create general-purpose biological intelligence that accelerates therapeutic discovery across oncology, immunology, and rare diseases.

We’re looking for a Machine Learning Team Lead to lead a high-performing team working on foundation models and probabilistic ML systems for drug discovery. You’ll sit at the intersection of research and engineering - driving technical direction, mentoring senior engineers and researchers, and helping scale both our platform and team as we push toward state-of-the-art biological modelling. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone excited by frontier AI, scientific impact, and building exceptional ML organisations.

  • Leading a team of ML engineers and applied researchers building large-scale foundation models for biological data
  • Defining technical strategy across probabilistic modelling, representation learning, and generative AI systems
  • Architecting scalable distributed training infrastructure for multi-billion parameter models
  • Collaborating with computational biologists, cheminformaticians, and leadership on long-term research initiatives
  • Mentoring and growing a world-class ML engineering team
  • Helping shape hiring strategy and technical roadmap as the company scales

Proven experience leading ML engineering or applied research teams. Strong background building and scaling deep learning systems in production. Deep understanding of foundation model architectures and modern generative AI techniques. Experience with probabilistic ML approaches such as Bayesian inference, latent variable models, or uncertainty-aware systems. Strong software engineering and distributed systems experience. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience in biotech, computational biology, or AI for science. Publications or contributions in advanced ML research. Experience scaling ML organisations in startup environments.

Lead one of the most technically ambitious AI teams in biotech. Work on frontier AI problems with direct impact on human health. Competitive compensation and meaningful equity package. Collaborative culture built around scientific curiosity and engineering excellence.

Machine Learning Lead Engineer employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™

As a leading AI-native biotech company based in London, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters scientific curiosity and engineering excellence. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and provides significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly for those passionate about frontier AI and its impact on human health. With competitive compensation and a meaningful equity package, we are committed to building a world-class team dedicated to transforming drug discovery through advanced machine learning techniques.

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Contact Details:

SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Machine Learning Lead Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the biotech and AI space, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got projects or research that highlight your expertise in machine learning or probabilistic AI, make sure to share them during interviews. It’s all about demonstrating what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical challenges! Brush up on your knowledge of foundation models and generative AI techniques. Be ready to discuss how you’d tackle real-world problems in drug discovery – they’ll want to see your thought process.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in biotech. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

We think you need these skills to ace Machine Learning Lead Engineer

Machine Learning
Probabilistic Modelling
Generative AI
Deep Learning Systems
Foundation Model Architectures
Bayesian Inference
Latent Variable Models

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Machine Learning Lead Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise in ML, and any relevant projects in biotech or AI that showcase your capabilities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about AI in drug discovery and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through.

Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any significant ML projects, especially those related to foundation models or probabilistic AI, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills and how they can contribute to our mission.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest in foundation models and probabilistic AI. Be ready to discuss your experience with deep learning systems and how you've applied them in production. This role is all about technical depth, so show them you’re not just familiar but passionate about these topics.

Showcase Leadership Skills

As a Machine Learning Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored teams or driven technical direction in previous roles. Highlight your experience in scaling ML organisations and how you’ve contributed to building high-performing teams.

Collaborate and Communicate

This position involves working closely with computational biologists and other stakeholders. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Think of scenarios where you successfully collaborated across disciplines and be ready to share those stories during the interview.

Align with Their Mission

Understand the company's mission to transform drug discovery through AI. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their goals in oncology, immunology, and rare diseases. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart as a candidate who’s not just looking for a job, but is excited about making an impact.