Applied Research Scientist, Deep Learning RNA Structure Prediction

Insta Deep, recently acquired by BioNTech, is a pioneering AI company at the forefront of innovation. Working hand-in-hand with laboratory teams at BioNTech, our RNA research group is advancing the state-of-the art in deep learning applied to RNA science. Our expertise is shared across the company to enable BioNTech to maintain their world leading position in the field of RNA therapeutics.

As an Applied Research Scientist you will take a lead role in this mission, initially with the goal of improving prediction of RNA secondary and tertiary structure. The group’s diverse, expert team, top-tier compute resources, and dedicated high-throughput capacity in BioNTech’s world leading laboratories combine to provide an unparalleled opportunity in the mission to develop life-changing treatments. We are passionate about science to help people and to advance human knowledge.

Our culture is highly collaborative and focuses on team success over individual achievement.

Role Responsibilities

• Advance the state-of-the-art in RNA structure prediction using deep learning.
• Maintain awareness of emerging developments in the literature and identify beneficial opportunities to bring published research to the attention of the team.
• Provide an expert reference in RNA science and biological deep learning.
• Guide research agendas, planning, and interpretation of results.
• Present findings effectively to client and internal stakeholders.
• Undertake other activities in biological deep learning as required.

Essential skills

• PhD in computer science, computational biochemistry, mathematics, or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully undertake high-quality research, for example through the publication of high impact scientific papers in journals or conferences or successfully commercialised patents.
• Practical experience in development of state-of-the-art deep learning models and expert understanding of deep learning theory.
• Familiarity with structure prediction tools and software in RNA and/or protein biology.
• Educational or professional familiarity with RNA science.
• Ability to write high quality code in Python.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Desired Skills

• Research experience in deep learning applied to RNA science.
• Research experience in prediction of nucleic acid or protein structure.
• Experience with design or optimisation of constructs or generative deep learning.