To apply, please reach out to contact@alignbio.org with a CV and cover letter.

Align to Innovate is a nonprofit organization on a mission to kickstart the use of programmable experiments to improve reproducibility and big data collection in life science research. We’re running a suite of programs at the interface of biology, automation, and machine learning to rapidly convert the field of biology to a data-first discipline. 

We aim for these programs to represent a new strategy for life scientists to collaborate on large, data-intensive projects, and are seeking team members who are excited to build out this concept with us.

As a remote organization with employees across North America and Europe, we embrace new team members from any geography.

Role overview

Align to Innovate is seeking a Research Fellow to support our protein engineering programs’ machine learning needs. As part of our efforts to create open and scalable biological datasets, this role will focus on leveraging machine learning to design libraries of proteins, benchmark the performance of computational design methods, and implement closed-loop design workflows. You will work closely with our external machine learning collaborators and internal Align technical project managers to build frameworks that integrate data-driven design approaches with experimental validation. You will play a key role in advancing predictive models for protein function, directly contributing to cutting-edge research that bridges computational and experimental biology.

Given our small team and evolving nature of scientific research and development, we are looking for folks who are adaptable and collaborative. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead protein design projects: Design libraries of proteins that will be measured as part of our programs.

• Implement protein design benchmarks: Create frameworks to quantify and compare the performance of different computational protein design methods. 

• Create closed-loop workflows: Develop workflows that leverage data from high-throughput experiments to iteratively design new protein libraries.

• Conduct analysis on biological datasets generated by our programs to extract meaningful insights and contribute to research outputs.

• Propose novel research questions that can be experimentally tested.

• Collaborate with external research teams to develop innovative DNA libraries that fit their research goals. 

• Develop Open Science infrastructure: Advise on and contribute to the development and optimization of Align's machine learning infrastructure, ensuring robust integration of ML models for ongoing projects.

• Collaborate across programs: Support ongoing projects and initiatives by providing machine learning expertise to align with the strategic goals of the organization.

Qualifications

Note that this section describes a nearly ideal candidate in order to provide insight into what this job entails. The more of these that apply to you, the more likely we think you will be a good fit for the role. Please don’t hesitate to apply even if you don’t feel like you’re a perfect match! 

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Machine Learning, or a related field.

• Strong proficiency in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.) and experience with data analysis on large biological datasets.

• Specific experience with protein large language models and protein transfer learning

• Track record of leading successful projects at the intersection of protein engineering and machine learning, as evidenced by publications, submitted manuscripts, open source code development, and/or projects industry.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external research partners.

• Experience with AWS cloud-based infrastructure.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to explain complex technical concepts to non-expert stakeholders.

• Comfortable with remote work and distributed teams.

• The ability to travel occasionally for domestic and international events (eg: team meetings, conferences and workshops, partner site visits).

• A humble approach to collaboration and mentorship, including good listening skills, open-mindedness, receptivity to feedback, and flexibility.

• Ability to communicate effectively with varied stakeholders to ensure that project and organizational needs are met.

• Excitement for interdisciplinary field-building efforts, particularly within data-driven biology.

Salary and benefits 

Align to Innovate takes a market-based approach to compensation. The candidate's starting pay will be based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, interview performance, and work location.

For US-based employees*, we offer attractive benefits including: 

• Health Insurance (inc. medical, dental, and vision)

• Family leave (up to 13 weeks)

• 401k matching

• Paid time off

• 15 company holidays, plus one day off for your Birthday

• Monthly wellness benefit

• Volunteer community service hours 

• Educational reimbursement plan

• Child care reimbursement

*For non-US-based employees, benefits will vary based on your country of residence. 

Align to Innovate welcomes everyone 

We believe diversity enriches our team and so strive to hire people with a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. That means we don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

To apply, please reach out to contact@alignbio.org with a CV and cover letter.