About the Role

Our client is a visionary pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating drug discovery through advanced technological solutions. We are seeking an exceptional Principal Research Scientist with a profound expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to lead transformative research initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere, with a focus on revolutionizing how new medicines are discovered and developed. You will spearhead the application of cutting-edge AI/ML techniques to vast biological and chemical datasets, identifying novel drug targets, designing innovative molecules, and optimizing preclinical candidates. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of both machine learning paradigms and drug discovery principles, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. This role represents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on human health from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the research and development of novel AI/ML models and algorithms for drug discovery applications, including target identification, hit finding, lead optimization, and preclinical development.
- Analyze and interpret large-scale biological, chemical, and clinical datasets to extract meaningful insights and drive hypothesis generation.
- Design and implement sophisticated machine learning workflows for virtual screening, property prediction (ADMET, efficacy), and de novo molecular design.
- Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and computational scientists to define research objectives and translate AI/ML capabilities into tangible research outcomes.
- Stay at the forefront of AI/ML advancements and identify opportunities to apply emerging techniques to drug discovery challenges.
- Communicate complex scientific concepts and research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including senior management, R&D; teams, and external collaborators.




- Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
- Contribute to the strategic vision and roadmap for AI/ML in drug discovery within the organization.
- Ensure the highest standards of data integrity, reproducibility, and scientific ethics in all research activities.

Requirements

- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field with a strong focus on drug discovery applications.
- A minimum of 8 years of progressive research experience in applying AI/ML to pharmaceutical R&D.;
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying various machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, graph neural networks, reinforcement learning, Bayesian methods).
- Proficiency in programming languages like Python (with libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, RDKit) and experience with data manipulation and analysis tools.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, medicinal chemistry, and biological pathways.
- Proven track record of impactful research, evidenced by high-quality publications and conference presentations.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and innovatively.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

- Highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package tailored for remote employees.
- Significant opportunity to influence the future of drug discovery and impact global health.
- Access to cutting-edge computational resources and vast scientific datasets.
- Generous career development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and online courses.
- Flexible working hours and a remote-first work environment.
- Collaborative and intellectually stimulating culture with leading experts in the field.
- Performance-based bonuses and potential for equity.

📌 Principal Research Scientist (Kimberley)
🏢 Placements24
📍 Kimberley