Bio-ML Scientist - Generative Biology Institute

About Ellison Institute of Technology and Generative Biology Institute

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), our mission is to convert scientific discoveries into impactful real-world solutions by assembling innovative scientists, engineers, and researchers. We focus on four transformative domains: health and generative biology, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change management, and artificial intelligence and robotics.

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI), headed by Founding Director Jason Chin, is dedicated to overcoming the challenges of making biology engineerable. It aims to develop the capability to write natural biological language for genome synthesis and understand which DNA sequences lead to targeted biological functions. This enables harnessing biology’s full potential for health, agriculture, and clean energy advancements.

Located in Oxford Science Park, GBI offers state-of-the-art facilities and extensive funding to support ambitious, long-term collaborative research with access to advanced technology hubs and significant computational resources to speed progress.

Role Overview

We seek skilled Bio-ML Scientists at various experience levels to design AI and machine learning systems that accelerate GBI’s research goals in synthetic biology, genome design, and molecular evolution. These scientists will collaborate with wet lab scientists and platform teams, focusing on sequence-to-function modeling, data analysis, and computational optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Create AI/ML systems tailored to research challenges in genome and molecular design.
• Engage in collaborative projects with GBI researchers, staff, and external partners.
• Co-develop research projects alongside wet lab scientists and deliver computational solutions.
• Advise on machine learning methodologies and explore new research directions.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics and compute teams to enhance data workflows and ML operations.
• Implement best practices in ML engineering including reproducible pipelines, and clear documentation.
• Stay updated on AI for biology advancements and apply strategic learning.
• Contribute to high-impact research publications.
• Efficiently manage and prioritize multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Promote EIT and GBI's scientific endeavors at public events and functions.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in mathematics, computer science, molecular/computational biology, engineering or related disciplines; preferably with ≥2 years postdoctoral or industry experience in similar roles.
• Proven expertise in developing AI/ML models for biological design, handling various biological data types, and collaborating effectively with experimental scientists.
• Skill in translating complex biological questions into machine learning problems, demonstrated via industry impact or publications.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate new computational methods across diverse problems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills across multidisciplinary groups.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages such as Python, R, or Julia along with ML best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills managing multiple priorities with quick switching contexts.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with travel allowance and performance bonuses.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance coverage.
• Income protection plan.
• Private medical insurance.
• Hospital cash benefit plan.
• Access to therapy services.
• Employee perks including Perk Box and Electric Car Scheme.

Additional Information

• Candidates must have permanent work rights in the UK and be prepared to travel when needed. Sponsorship may be considered in specific cases.
• Residency in or willingness to relocate to Oxford or its vicinity is required.