Group Head Biologics de novo Design – Large Molecules Research
- Barcelona
- Permanente
- Tiempo completo
· Hybrid
· Full timeAbout the jobOur Team:Within Large Molecules Research (LMR) we utilize cutting-edge protein engineering technologies for the discovery and optimization of next-generation protein therapeutics. The team has an impressive track record of patents and publications in high-impact journals. You will be a part of our global AI Innovation team which is part of LMR’s Digital Biologics Platform (DBxP). As a global organization, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of computational and AI-based protein engineering to design innovative new medicines.Main responsibilities:
- Lead a global team of AI & computational scientists (PhD level) with members from multiple locations (e.g. Germany, Belgium, France, Spain & US) within the AI Innovation department of LMR.
- Drive the implementation & evolution of a cutting-edge computational de novo & synthetic library design platform for Antibody, NANOBODY® and additional protein-based modalities.
- Provide support to LMR portfolio and innovation projects utilizing the de novo & synthetic library design platform to discover and optimize novel biologics under consideration of resource & timeline planning, external costs, and prioritization.
- Mentor, upskill and develop a PhD-level team of AI scientist & focus on retention of key talents in highly competitive environment.
- Take a leading role for the implementation and execution of the digital strategy in the area of de novo and computational protein design within LMR.
- Evaluate external landscape, initiate, and drive external partnerships & collaborations for de novo design, structure prediction & molecular docking.
- Oversee, plan, and manage budget for external collaborations, method validations and project support.
- Lead cross functional and interdisciplinary workstreams as well as external collaborations in the field of protein de novo design.
- Manage key internal and external interfaces to key stakeholders and collaborators including LMR wet lab & project teams, Digital R&D, therapeutic units, academia, and external partners.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in de novo and computational protein design, machine learning, and artificial intelligence and apply them to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
- Represent Sanofi at external conferences and increase its footprint with publications and patents.
- Experience:
- Ph. D. in a field of computational life sciences, AI/ML or computational protein design (e.g. bioinformatics, computer science, biophysics, computational biology, or life sciences with strong expertise in data science).
- Outstanding expertise in latest AI-based & computational methods for protein de novo design, computational protein design, molecular docking, and structure prediction.
- Strong experience working in the field of computational Antibody/NANOBODY® engineering in a Biopharma setting including interactions and coordination of interdisciplinary project and wet lab teams.
- Strong track record in method development for protein de novo design & computational protein engineering.
- Strong publication and/or patent track record in the field of ML/AI-driven immunoglobulin de novo design & optimization.
- Solid understanding of biophysical and biochemical methods for characterization of protein-based therapeutics.
- Soft skills:
- Passion to collaborate with others, self-development with a focus on scientific know-how, sharing knowledge, results orientated ways of working and talent development.
- Leadership skills to work international and cross-functional in and outside of the department and organization.
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, to communicate effectively and to work in a global and matrix organization.
- Background in project management (timelines, budget, project updates and strategies)
- Experience in leading, upskilling and developing a team of experts.
- Strategic thinking and long-term planning ability.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills including ability to successfully interface with senior management.
- Ability to make timely decisions and to defend the needs of the section and department.
- Open mindset of act for change by challenging current status.
- Technical skills:
- Strong expertise in de novo protein design of immunoglobulin-like (Ig) scaffolds and functionalization studies.
- Deep understanding on the physical principles that govern protein folding and protein complex formation.
- Deep expertise in AI/ML-based approaches for protein de novo design including application, training & fine-tuning of generative protein language models, diffusion- and flow matching approaches.
- Knowledge of antibody/NANOBODY® structure, function & engineering.
- Proven experience on developing and applying computational methods for the prediction of antibody/NANOBODY® - antigen interactions (e.g. LightDock, HADDOCK).
- Proficiency in Python and related libraries/software for de novo design (e.g. RFdiffusion, proteinMPNN, Rosetta, pyRosetta).
- Ability to develop, benchmark and apply predictive algorithms for protein engineering.
- Experience in handling, curating, and managing large biological data sets and data bases.
- Expertise in developing and maintaining computational pipelines and automation of workflows.
- Comfortable working in cloud and high-performance computational environments.
- Languages:
- Fluent in English, oral and written.