Data Scientist (Chemistry) - Aether Biomachines

This is an Exempt, Full Time position based in our Menlo Park, CA office. 

Aether Biomachines is on a mission to build the post-scarcity future using peptide based nanotechnology as the driving force for the next industrial revolution. By creating the world's most advanced high-throughput robotic laboratory, we are generating data at unprecedented scales to fuel deep learning algorithms. We're assembling a diverse and dynamic team of self-starters, engineers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and visionaries, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

We're breaking barriers in laboratory automation to power world-class machine learning models with faster, broader, and more robust robotic sample processing systems. Our goal is to transform peptides from niche catalysts into general-purpose molecular assemblers using our platform, and enabling a future of abundance for the human race.

Aether's Machine Learning (ML) team is spearheading innovation in the field of enzyme engineering by capitalizing on advanced computational methodologies. Faced with the intricate and multidimensional challenges of enzyme engineering, the ML team employs a suite of refined data-cleaning algorithms to meticulously curate and preprocess extensive volumes of experimental data. By deploying state-of-the-art predictive models, the team has the capability to accurately predict enzyme-substrate interactions, uncover novel enzymatic activities, and optimize enzyme performance across diverse experimental conditions. Furthermore, by utilizing cutting-edge multi-objective search and optimization algorithms, the ML team can concurrently navigate multiple solution spaces, adeptly navigating trade-offs between conflicting objectives to engineer optimal enzyme designs. Aether's innovative fusion of data science and biotechnology is facilitating the creation of pioneering solutions that address pressing challenges within the biotech industry and unleash the boundless potential of enzymes for a wide array of applications.

What we are looking for in you

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Data Scientist with a strong background in chemistry to join our ML team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing machine learning models to predict experimental conditions for enzyme-substrate pairs in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) experiments. Your work will directly contribute to the optimization of enzyme performance and the advancement of our enzyme engineering efforts.

What you will be doing

• Development and implementation of machine learning models to predict optimal experimental conditions for enzyme-substrate interactions.
• Propose and test new control strategies for novel chemistries.
• Development of machine learning algorithms to model new classes of chemical reactions, and defining fundamental thermodynamic/physical limits to the types of reactions that are engineerable.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including chemists, biochemists, and data scientists, to define project goals and objectives.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data to validate and refine machine learning models.
• Development and maintenance of software tools and pipelines to support data analysis and model training.
• Presentation of research findings and model performance to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Staying current with advances in machine learning, computational chemistry, and enzyme engineering to inform model development and improvement.
• Contributing to the preparation of scientific publications, technical reports, and patent applications.
• Building internal tools for research teams to interpret and categorize data generated by experiments.

What you must have

• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, enzymology, and MALDI mass spectrometry.
• Proven experience developing and applying machine learning models in a chemistry or biochemistry context.
• Proficiency in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

What you should have

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field or relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated exceptional output in a relevant field

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? 

We encourage anyone who thinks they would excel at Aether to apply, no matter their background or how they identify.

Benefits and Perks

• Full suite of health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Aether pays 100% of the premiums for employees and 90% of the premiums for dependents.
• Basic Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability
• Health Savings Account
• $125 Aether contribution per month for individuals
• $250 Aether contribution per month for employees with dependents/partners
• Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Commuter FSA
• Up to $100 Aether match contribution per month
• Lab Personnel: 
• $200 per month Aether taxable bonus if you live more than 25 miles from the office
• $100 per month Aether taxable bonus if you live less than 25 miles from the office
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off for Full-Time employees and 11 Paid Holidays
• Health Perks (EAP, Travel Assistance, Chiropractic and Acupuncture care)
• Company Perks (Equity, Socials, holiday parties, LifeMart Discounts, and more!)
• On-Site Services (Free EV charging, shuttle services, free meals while you work, free on-site fitness center, and more!)

EEO

Our company values diversity and believes diverse teams make innovation possible. We work on complex, difficult problems with no linear or clear solutions. We believe that a diverse team can bring different perspectives and approaches, and whose experiences reflect the full set of clients we seek to serve. As such, Aether Biomachines, Inc. is committed to a diverse representation among our employees. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  Aether Bio may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position is based in our California location.