Machine Learning Scientist – (Computational Biologist/Bioinformatician)

Job Title: Machine Learning Scientist – (Computational Biologist/Bioinformatician)

Location: Edinburgh, UK

Posted: April 28, 2023

Ref. ID: R23-116

Job Overview

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is a leading, clinical-stage gene therapy company founded in 2001 based on the work of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy visionary and pioneer, Jude Samulski, PhD. Since that time, our commitment to developing life-saving medicines that can potentially cure genetic diseases has never wavered.

At AskBio, we’ve built a foundation of therapeutic programs, AAV manufacturing and a rich portfolio of patented technology. Our therapeutic focus includes neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with clinical trials underway for Pompe disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Our gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive AAV capsid and promoter library.

We became a wholly-owned, independently operated, subsidiary of Bayer AG in late 2020 as a cornerstone of its newly formed Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) platform. Our global headquarters is in Research Triangle Park, NC. Additionally, we have significant operations in Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, Scotland, France, and Spain.

Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.

Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people’s lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries.
• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.
• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.  

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.
• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.
• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission.  We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.
• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.
• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

The role:

The Successful candidate will join the AskBio Bioinformatics and Machine Learning team. Working closely with their Principal Machine Learning Scientist, you will apply bioinformatics & machine learning methods to AAV capsid and gene expression cassette design (including synthetic promoter and other regulatory elements) as well as leverage relevant datasets to support business decisions.

Working as part of a team, knowledge sharing, and peer support will be vital to building novel bioinformatics tools and techniques critical to the development of successful gene therapies.

Essential skills and experience:

• Degree/MSc in bioinformatics/biostatistics/informatics/data science or other numerate discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong experience in developing and debugging in Python including Pandas / Numpy / SciPy
• Hands-on experience working with machine learning frameworks e.g. Tensorflow, PyTorch, scikit-learn
• Awareness of good software engineering practices e.g. unit testing, CI/CD, version control, containerisation, code documentation
• Interest in analysing and interpreting biological data
• Effective communication of complex concepts and data to non-experts
• Familiarity with Unix-like systems
• An excellent track/publication record

Desirable:

• Doctorate in bioinformatics/biostatistics/informatics/data science or related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning research
• Experience in methods to interpret machine learning models
• Experience analysing and interpreting biological data
• Experience in data visualisation
• Knowledge of gene therapy
• Experience in good software engineering practice e.g. unit testing, CI/CD, version control, containerisation, code documentation
• Experience with other data analysis languages, such as R / C(++) / Java.
• Experience contributing to projects involving global cross-disciplinary teams

The candidate:

There is some flexibility within the team to consider varying levels of experience however, this role is likely to suit individuals with a Ph.D. background plus a few years of industry or postdoc experience under their belt.

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at careers@askbio.com.

Agencies:  Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition.  Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position.  All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement.  If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.