At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of machine learning systems for drug discovery and mentor a growing team.
- Company: Early-stage biotech startup in Oxford focused on innovative drug discovery solutions.
- Benefits: Equity stake, high autonomy, and the chance to make a real-world impact.
- Other info: Join a small, elite team with no bureaucracy and excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by applying ML to life sciences and collaborate with top experts.
- Qualifications: Strong ML background, experience in bioinformatics, and proficiency in Python and ML frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
I'm working with an early-stage biotech startup based in Oxford building machine learning-driven platforms for drug discovery. Their mission is to dramatically reduce the time and cost of bringing new therapies to market by combining computational biology, large-scale biological datasets, and modern ML techniques. Backed by top-tier investors, they're a small, high-calibre team of scientists and engineers.
We’re hiring a Lead Bio-ML Engineer to take ownership of our core machine learning systems. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role where you’ll:
- Own the end-to-end ML lifecycle (data, modelling, deployment)
- Work closely with biologists to translate experimental problems into ML solutions
- Build and scale models across areas like sequence modelling, structure prediction, and multimodal biological data
- Shape the technical direction and ML roadmap
- Mentor and grow a small team as they scale
What You’ll Do:
- Designing models for genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery pipelines
- Applying deep learning / foundation models to biological datasets
- Building robust, production-ready ML systems (not just research prototypes)
- Developing internal tooling for data pipelines, experiment tracking, and model evaluation
What They Want:
- Core experience: Strong background in machine learning / AI engineering
- Experience applying ML to life sciences, bioinformatics, or computational biology
- Production experience with Python + PyTorch / TensorFlow
- Track record of owning and shipping ML systems end-to-end
- Nice to have: Experience with biological data (e.g. sequencing, protein structures)
- Familiarity with drug discovery or wet-lab collaboration
- Exposure to LLMs / foundation models in biology
- Previous startup or high-ownership environment
High ownership: you’ll define and build critical systems from the ground up. Real-world impact: your work directly contributes to therapeutic discovery. Tight feedback loop: collaborate daily with domain experts. Equity upside: meaningful stake in an early-stage company. Small, elite team: no bureaucracy, just execution.
Please apply here or reach out to me directly on LinkedIn/ via email (adam.lockett@sr2rec.co.uk).
Lead Bio Machine Learning Engineer in Oxford employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
SR2 is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of Edinburgh. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in government digital transformation projects. Our flexible part-time role allows for a balanced work-life integration while contributing to significant public sector initiatives.
Contact Details:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Bio Machine Learning Engineer in Oxford
✨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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✨Show Off Your Projects
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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Bio Machine Learning Engineer in Oxford
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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™.
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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™. 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™'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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™. This shows your passion for the industry!
