Machine Learning Scientist / Senior Machine Learning Scientist, Virtual Cell

Altos Labs

$188K — $307K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, AI, Statistics, or a related field with solid ML/AI theory.
  • Experience in academia or industry related to machine learning.
  • Proven record in developing generative AI models with knowledge in transformers and multi-modality.
  • Deep understanding of machine learning principles applicable to various models.
  • Strong programming skills, especially in Python and deep learning libraries like PyTorch.
  • Experience in production coding with frameworks like TensorFlow or JAX.
  • Skilled in multi-GPU and distributed training.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and evaluate advanced machine learning models to support Altos' mission.
  • Pre-train and fine-tune large-scale ML systems using diverse biological data.
  • Innovate new machine learning methodologies to solve challenges in cell health.
  • Implement and optimize ML systems utilizing frameworks like PyTorch and JAX.
  • Manage distributed training across numerous GPUs to process large data sets.
  • Integrate multi-modal data for actionable biological insights.
  • Engage in the complete ML lifecycle from data strategy to model evaluation.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, scientific environment dedicated to cell health advancement.
  • Collaborative atmosphere with multidisciplinary teams and a focus on scientific excellence.
  • Encouragement for professional growth and skill development opportunities.
  • Inclusion in Altos' commitment to diversity and belonging in the workplace.
Full Job Description
What You Will Contribute To Altos

This is an opportunity to join the state-of-the-art Virtual Cell team that recently won the Generalist prize in the ARC Virtual Cell Challenge. Here you will help to accelerate and optimize our progress in developing multi-modal generative foundation models for multiscale biology.

In this role, you will be an integral part of our multidisciplinary teams enabling Altos to achieve its mission. You will partner and collaborate with other Machine Learning Scientists and Engineers, as well as other computational scientists and biologists, across the Institute of Computation to contribute to the Altos research and translation ecosystem. This role is focused on improving our state-of-the-art "virtual cell" models, encompassing gene and protein modeling, imaging, and other modalities to aid in the discovery of novel interventions for aging and disease.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment that emphasises/emphasizes *please spell differently for UK/US teamwork, transparency, scientific excellence, originality, and integrity.

Responsibilities
  • Use your experience to focus on designing, developing and evaluating state of the art foundation and focused models, at scale, to advance the Altos mission
  • Pre-train and fine-tune large-scale machine learning systems using multimodal biological data and prior knowledge inputs.
  • Pioneer novel machine learning methodologies and statistical frameworks (e.g., generative models, diffusion/flow matching models, and advanced transformer architectures) to address fundamental challenges in cell health and rejuvenation
  • Design, implement, and optimize large-scale machine learning systems using modern frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX), AI-assisted coding, and agile practices
  • Develop and manage efficient distributed training strategies across multiple GPUs and compute clusters to handle terabytes of multi-modal biological data
  • Develop robust approaches for multi-modal data integration and cross-domain mapping to extract actionable biological insights
  • Participate in the full ML development lifecycle from theoretical conception and data strategy through model development, training, and evaluation
Who You Are
  • Inspired by the Altos mission of restoring cell health and resilience to reverse disease, injury, and age-related disabilities
  • Highly collaborative in mindset and ways of working
  • Self-motivated to drive and deliver on projects and goals
  • Focused on professional growth and expanding you skillset and knowledge
  • Able to communicate and explain the design, results, conclusions and the impact of their work to both scientific and nonscientific staff.
  • Able to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in deep learning and apply knowledge to their work.
  • Keen to take the opportunity to contribute to seminars and other scientific initiatives within Altos and the broader scientific community.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D.in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, or a related quantitative field, demonstrating a deep theoretical foundation in ML/AI.
  • Relevant work experience in either an academic or industry setting.
  • Prior experience in developing and implementing novel generative AI models in a subset of the following: transformers, multi-modality, diffusion/flow matching models.
  • Can demonstrate a deep understanding and expertise of Machine Learning Principles and how they apply to different models
  • Proven experience developing and applying complex machine learning models, preferably with a significant portion of that time spent in a fast-paced industry or translational research environment.
  • Very strong programming skills, including experience with Python and deep learning libraries (PyTorch, Hugging Face Transformers, H-F Datasets, H-F Accelerate)
  • Experience writing production-quality code with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or similar;
  • Experience with multi-GPU and distributed training at scale;

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong track record of published peer reviewed innovative AI/ML research
  • Experience in cell health and rejuvenation related research area
  • Experience in the application of machine learning methods to biological data
  • Experience in computational approaches to drug discovery
  • Experience with software development methodologies and open-source softwar

The salary range for Redwood City, CA:
  • Scientist I, Machine Learning: $211,200 - $257,500
  • Scientist II, Machine Learning: $237,800 - $290,000
  • Senior Scientist I, Machine Learning: $270,600 - $330,000

The salary range for San Diego, CA:
  • Scientist I, Machine Learning: $188,600 - $230,000
  • Scientist II, Machine Learning: $223,900 - $273,000
  • Senior Scientist I, Machine Learning: $251,700 - $307,000

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Before submitting your application:

- Please click here to read the Altos Labs EU and UK Applicant Privacy Notice (bit.ly/eu_uk_privacy_notice)
- This Privacy Notice is not a contract, express or implied and it does not set terms or conditions of employment.

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