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Sanford Laboratories for Innovative Medicines

AI Machine Learning Scientist (San Diego County)

Sanford Laboratories for Innovative Medicines, San Diego, California, United States

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If you have any questions about the position, please email talent@sanfordlabs.org

We seek a highly qualified, motivated Scientist with a strong background in machine learning/generative AI to join the AI Platform at Sanford Laboratories for Innovative Medicine (Sanford Labs). Sanford Labs is an independent, not-for-profit biomedical research organization with a mission to discover and deliver the next generation of molecular medicines.

RNA therapeutics are a rapidly expanding class of modalities (e.g., ASOs, siRNAs, mRNAs, and RNA aptamers) that can enable rapid clinical solutions. At Sanford Labs, you will help develop and implement AI/ML models and optimization paradigms to design best-in-class RNA therapeutics. As a Machine Learning Scientist, you will focus on designing and optimizing advanced AI/ML algorithms to address complex challenges in RNA therapeutics. You will develop and implement state-of-the-art architectures to enhance RNA sequence design, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams across Sanford Labs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to apply and refine cutting-edge machine learning methods while advancing innovative therapeutic solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in machine learning, experience with modern AI architectures (e.g., transformers, diffusion models, or graph neural networks), and a keen interest in applying computational approaches to real-world problems in RNA biology and therapeutic discovery.

Duties and Responsibilities: Develop innovative machine learning-based drug discovery algorithms and technologies to be applied across Sanford Labs AI Platform. Implement AI/ML methodologies, including large language models and generative AI/ML, to address complex challenges in drug discovery. Monitor and evaluate the performance of AI/ML models and drug discovery solutions. Utilize software engineering best practices to develop complex AI applications at scale. Research and stay abreast of emerging technologies relevant to drug discovery and AI/ML. Proactively scope and deploy novel computational methods and digital technologies.

Education and/or Experience: Doctorate or masters degree in computer science, mathematics, computational biology, bioinformatics, biomedical data science or a related field. Expertise in deep learning and machine learning. Strong experience with Python libraries for data science analysis (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib) and deep learning (PyTorch or TensorFlow)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, computational biology, or bioinformatics, including industry experience. Deep experience in and theoretical understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, deep learning, and other relevant quantitative methods. Familiarity with the latest AI architectures and frameworks, such as Transformer-based models, Graph Neural Networks (GNN), and other generative models including diffusion models, Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Knowledge of RNA biology, particularly RNA structure, function, and RNA-binding proteins. Fluency in scientific programming and tool development with Python, R, or equivalents. Proficiency in C++ or Java is a plus. Proven record of innovative thinking to propose and champion the development of novel algorithms and AI/ML models that generated interpretable and actionable results for practical applications. Experience with software development good practices, including code versioning, documentation, and testing. Experience with cloud computing. Creative, open-minded, and passionate about scientific research. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a team environment. Strong interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, and presentation skills. Understanding of RNA therapeutic modality discovery and development.

No relocation will be provided for this role; the candidate must be local to the San Diego, CA, region and/or the state of California.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not currently have direct reports.

Perks and Benefits:

Generous employer-paid healthcare for Medical, Dental, and Vision. 100% Employer Paid Life, STD and LTD 401(k) Employer Match Generous Vacation and Sick Leave 13 Holidays Closed over the Christmas and New Year Holiday Break