Scientist, Machine Learning, Molecular Design

About This Role

The Computational Molecular Science team at Biogen is searching for a scientist interested in machine learning applications and transformative artificial intelligence algorithms to accelerate and improve the established small molecule design cycle that consists of idea generation, evaluation, and synthesis. This is a unique opportunity to join a cross-functional team working at the intersection of computational, chemical, and biological sciences and have direct access to a wealth of structured and unstructured data across the Biogen research organization to make a massive impact on redefining the early drug-discovery platform.

What You’ll Do

• Build and deploy ML-driven molecular design workflows that combine deep generative models and deep reinforcement learning to propose and prioritize small molecules under multi-parameter objectives (potency, ADMET, novelty, synthesizability).
• Develop and maintain predictive models and molecular representations (e.g., GNNs/Transformers, 2D/3D features) and integrate them into iterative “generate → score → learn” design loops.
• Collaborate with Computational Chemistry and cross-functional Drug Discovery teams to translate project needs into robust, reproducible tools and deliver measurable impact on small-molecule programs.
• Publish and present methodological and applied work internally and externally.

The successful candidate will be a creative and highly motivated scientist with demonstrated expertise in the field of machine learning and cheminformatics. You will be expected to stay current with the scientific literature and apply the latest advances in computational methods to address drug discovery challenges. As a key contributor to the molecule informatics group, thinking independently to solve complex problems is an important aspect of this position.

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in Computer Science (or related field) with strong fundamentals in machine learning, deep learning, and optimization.
• 1+ years of postdoctoral experience with demonstrated ability to lead research projects independently and deliver high-quality results.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong track record of publications and/or scientific presentations demonstrating impact and scientific rigor.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical work to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills

• Strong hands-on experience developing and training deep learning models end-to-end (data pipelines, model design, training loops, debugging, and evaluation) using Py Torch or Tensor Flow.
• Proven experience with modern deep generative models for molecular design (e.g., Transformer, GAN; diffusion/graph models are a plus)
• Experience applying deep reinforcement learning and/or multi-objective optimization to molecular generation and prioritization (e.g., reward design, constraint handling, Pareto trade-offs).
• Solid understanding of deep learning best practices (regularization, hyperparameter tuning, representation learning, uncertainty estimation, and generalization under data shift).
• Strong Python skills and practical experience with the ML ecosystem; cheminformatics experience is a plus.

Job Level: Professional

Additional Information:

The base compensation range for this role is: $117,000.00-$152,000.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees’ and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
• Employee Resource Groups participation

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.