At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI initiatives to virtualise biological experiments and accelerate discovery.
- Company: Join Turbine, a pioneering company in AI-driven biology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of science.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to represent Turbine at international conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI and biology while mentoring a world-class team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in AI tools for drug discovery.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 £ per year.
Join our team and help virtualize biological experiments to accelerate discovery!
About Turbine
Turbine is building Virtual Assays—AI-powered predictive models that can run biological experiments in silico. We’re combining deep learning with a systematic approach to biology to enable faster, cheaper, more extensive testing. Our team is small, focused, and composed of researchers and engineers who care deeply about getting biology right.
We’re seeking an experienced VP of AI to lead Turbine’s AI and computational biology efforts as we scale our Virtual Assay platform. In this role, you’ll build and mentor a world‑class team, guide technical strategy, and ensure our AI capabilities remain at the forefront of the field.
Your core mission: ensure we can scale reliable, reproducible Virtual Assay capabilities while continuously deepening our understanding of biology and improving our competitive position in the AI-driven biology space.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain a healthy, well-staffed AI team equipped to deliver current products and anticipate future needs.
- Coach and develop your department to operate seamlessly as part of a modern product organization.
- Ensure all work streams are clearly connected to Virtual Assay development and that we extract learnings from each initiative.
- Partner with our Lab team to streamline data flow—ensuring up-to-date data requests, efficient handoffs, and that generated data feeds productively into model development.
- Drive the strategic direction of Virtual Assay development to position us as a differentiated, valuable player in the market.
- Collaborate with our CTO to guide internal development toward a general virtual cell capable of zero‑shot assay prediction.
- Represent Turbine at international conferences and contribute to our visibility as a leader in AI‑driven biology.
You are a Turbiner if these personality traits apply to you:
- You have self‑awareness and strong intention on personal growth.
- You seek out feedback and learn from mistakes and apply what you learned.
- You take responsibility and focus on the outcomes over tasks.
- You focus on shared success and are open to challenging others respectfully to get the best possible outcome.
- You are in it for the long haul and have passion for our mission.
What We’re Looking For
You bring a combination of technical depth, leadership experience, and professional visibility in the AI community:
- Strong people leadership skills; ability to build trust, develop talent, and create a high‑performing culture.
- Direct experience building or working with AI inference tools at production complexity.
- Established credibility and network in the AI in drug discovery space.
- Strategic thinking about where AI creates real value, both in research and in commercial applications.
- Comfort operating at the intersection of AI, biology, and product; you don’t need to be a computational biologist, but you must be curious and capable of learning the domain.
Nice to Have
- Prior experience scaling AI teams or shipping AI products in regulated industries.
- Exposure to or understanding of biological assays, phenotyping, or drug discovery.
- Track record of publishing or speaking at major AI/ML conferences.
VP of AI employer: Turbine
At Turbine, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our team members to excel in their roles. As the VP of AI, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a passionate group of researchers and engineers dedicated to revolutionising biological experimentation through AI, while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and professional development. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven biology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of AI
✨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!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Turbine. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨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 Turbine!
We think you need these skills to ace VP of AI
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 Turbine 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 Turbine.
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 Turbine 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 Turbine
✨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 Turbine. 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 Turbine'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 Turbine. This shows your passion for the industry!
