AI Research Scientist

Lir Therapeutics is a VC-backed biotech start-up that's focused on unlocking the next generation of gene therapy using AI. Lir's current work focuses on adeno-associated virus (AAV), one of the major gene therapy vectors in use.

Our current aim is to completely redesign AAV, in order to generate therapies that are more effective, safer, and cheaper. Lir is founded by scientists with experience building gene therapies and AI models for biology. Come join us and build a science-led biotech, right in central London!

For an example of some of what we're working on see our recent poster from ESCGT.

Position Overview

We are seeking an AI Research Scientist to join our lab. Your role will focus on developing novel AI/ML models to add to our nAAVigator viral design platform. As an early member of the technical team you will have a big role in making technical and design decisions, as well as being a key contributor to our scientific goals. We're looking for someone excited to jump in and solve some of biology's hardest problems - someone with a passion for AI engineering. This is an opportunity to join an exciting startup and really push the limit of what's possible in AI biology.

As a small startup the ability to communicate your work to non-computational team members such as biologists is extremely important.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing new models for Lir's AI pipeline
• Performing analytics and running experiments using Lir's datasets
• Contributing new experimental designs and project ideas as the company develops
• Adapting open source tools/models for viral engineering
• Producing publications and contributing to company IP
• Evaluating scientific literature appropriate to Lir's research goals

This is a full time position. It can be hybrid with 3 days in our Camden office per week.

Qualifications

• Higher degree (PhD or masters) a relevant discipline (computer science, machine learning, etc), or a bachelor's degree with evidence of real world ML/AI implementation skills
• Proficiency in Python and general software development skills
• Experience with PyTorch (or similar framework)
• Experience designing and implementing ML experiments
• Experience working with sequencing data (processing, analysing, etc)
• Knowledge of version control with git
• Track record of independence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Prior experience collaborating with wet lab teams
• Knowledge in virology, immunology or structural biology
• Experience using cloud computing (e.g. AWS, GoogleCloud)
• Hands on experience with existing open source software for biological AI applications (e.g. Alphafold, ESM, Evo, etc.)

What we Offer

• 26 days annual leave + public/bank holidays
• Equity in a new early stage start up
• Matched pension contributions
• Optional medical insurance

We are only accepting candidates with an existing ability to work in the UK without employer sponsorship.

We cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position, and regretfully we will not consider any applications that require this.

Here at Lir we're an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion hiring practices