FL| Cambridge, MA Director, Data Science and Machine Learning

Director, Data Science and Machine Learning

Cambridge, MA USA

FL121 is a privately held biotechnology company engineering nature to build next generation peptide therapeutics. By harnessing naturally occurring chemistry and pairing it with sophisticated high-throughput screening technology, we will unlock the future of de novo drug design via curated data creation and model training.

FL121 is seeking a talented and highly motivated Director (Data Science / Machine Learning). We’re looking for a resourceful computational problem solver and agile leader, someone who is not only scientifically rigorous and accountable for their and their team’s work, but also has a high EQ and is a motivating force within cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate brings a track record of building computationally strong data environments, developing predictive models based upon internal and external databases, driving results in a fast‑paced and demanding environment, and enabling others to do their best work, all while communicating with clarity and empathy.

• Pioneer and lead computational efforts for FL121’s platform science
• Develop a data‑framework and database for tracking DNA translation to chemistry, and chemistry to drug‑characteristics in partnership with platform team
• Strategically map out chemical representation optionality and develop framework for platform chemistry that can scale with data
• Lead base‑case chemical prediction models that can scale with data and forecast and scope data needs to enable models to have strong predictive power
• Build and support computational capabilities to unlock de‑novo mass spec deconvolution models
• Integrate computational efforts across all platform work streams to create a cohesive data‑collection and integration workplace
• Serve as a cross‑functional program lead, guiding interdisciplinary teams of computational scientists, mass‑spec scientists, medicinal chemists, and synthetic biologists toward shared goals.
• Communicate computational goals, progress, and key decisions clearly across audiences, from scientists to executives, tailoring messaging with clarity and intention.
• Build and manage budgets, thoughtfully allocating in‑house and external resources to maximize impact while remaining cost‑conscious and efficient.
• Serve as a trusted people‑first leader fostering a collaborative, psychologically safe team environment that supports the scientific and personal development of team members.
• Lead with authenticity and transparency, encouraging open dialogue, surfacing diverse perspectives, and engaging in courageous conversations when needed.

• Masters or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., computational chemistry, machine learning, data science, etc) with 10+ years’ experience in scientific/engineering/computational settings in biotechnology; industry AI/ML experience preferred
• Experience driving results directly or indirectly through teams of scientists and engineers in varied technical environments
• Depth across multiple core tools and concepts, including Python, modern ML frameworks (RDKit, scikit‑learn, Chemprop, etc), version control, databases, deep learning architectures, and relevant informatics software (AWS, Seqera, Benchling, etc)
• Demonstrated success as a team‑oriented leader who motivates others and builds strong, trust‑based relationships across functions
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross‑functional programs balancing scientific vision with disciplined execution and strategic resource management
• Track record of intellectual agility and curiosity, with an ability to adapt quickly, think critically, and lead through ambiguity
• Strong emotional intelligence, with demonstrated maturity in navigating interpersonal dynamics, providing feedback, and supporting the growth of PhD and non‑PhD scientists
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a consistent ability to convey complex ideas clearly and succinctly to diverse stakeholders
• A people‑first, enterprise‑minded approach that uplifts others, builds cohesion, and drives a culture of collaboration and accountability