Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist - AI for Life Sciences (CDD/FTC)

About the role

Owkin is an AI company on a mission to solve the complexity of biology. It is building the first Biology Super Intelligence (BASI) by combining powerful biological large language models, multimodal patient data, and agentic software. At the heart of this system is Owkin K, an AI copilot and its new LLM fine-tuned on biology called Owkin Zero, used by researchers, clinicians, and drug developers to better understand biology, validate scientific hypotheses, and deliver better diagnostics and therapies faster. Position is based in our Paris offices or remotely in France, UK, or Germany. Please submit your CV in English We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Scientist to join our team on a fixed-term basis to accelerate our AI-driven drug discovery programs. You will operate at the cutting edge of Agentic AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), applying these technologies to solve complex biological challenges in Oncology or Age-Related Diseases. As an AI for Life Sciences at Owkin you will use your expertise to ensure the biological relevance of our AI models and tools by selecting the right datasets, features (data-driven, AI-based and expert-based), and visualizations. Your key responsibilities include designing in silico analysis plans, conducting target/asset identification and evaluation. The role also emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, including liaising between researchers and data scientists. The position works closely with scientific and project leads, facilitating seamless communication, ensuring biological accuracy, and driving innovation. In particular, you will: Lead AI-Driven Discovery & Strategy Actively participate in the Target ID and analysis plan, perform rigorous triage of target candidates and ideas, transitioning from high-volume AI outputs to high-quality biological leads, and ensuring efficient workflows and feedback. Conduct Deep-Dives on top-tier Target/asset candidates to bring them to formal "go/no-go" milestones. Collaborate with internal technical experts to leverage advanced computational and AI methodologies for subgroups identification, thereby uncovering novel patient populations and therapeutic niches. Act as the Internal Champion for specific targets, presenting evidence to stakeholders and steering the project through the development funnel. Orchestrate autonomous or semi-autonomous AI workflows to generate, test, and refine hypotheses (design and execute 'AI Scientist Campaigns'). Participate in In Silico Drug Design discussions, acting as the bridge between computational outputs and chemistry/biology teams. Ensure biological relevance of our AI Models & Agents (including Owkin K) Develop and refine functional "skills" for Agentic AI systems (e.g., tool-calling functions, and specialized reasoning chains). Work closely with data science / compBio teams to define and optimize scoring functions and multi-parameter optimization weights for target/ assets candidate prioritization. Ensure liaison between users and product owners/developers by gathering feedback, prioritizing needs, aligning score metrics with research objectives and following ground truth definitions. Support consistent evaluation of outputs across model versions. Documentation and Cross-functional Support Maintain clear and updated documentation across projects. Manage collaborations with top-tier academic labs to integrate external innovation and validate internal models. Support data mapping and integration efforts while ensuring the alignment of data usage with research questions. Partner with project managers and principal scientists to execute deliverables and communicate findings effectively. Critically review work products from outsourced tasks and internal AI-generated outputs. Direct and oversee outsourced laboratory work, ensuring data quality and alignment with AI-driven hypotheses. About you Required: Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences or related fields required Deep knowledge in Oncology and/or Age-Related Diseases. Experience in industry, and especially in applying AI to Life Sciences and/or Drug Discovery and translating abstract AI potential into concrete drug discovery milestones. Strong expertise in target discovery, and pipeline management, coupled with comprehension of the crucial steps of target validation. Capability to manage internal AI workflows with minimal supervision. Excellent communication and management skills in cross-disciplinary environments and complex scientific projects, with the ability to present research succinctly to diverse audiences.. Familiarity with LLMs and Agentic AI frameworks Curiosity: You are driven to understand how components fit together within a complex system. Thriving in dynamic environments where rapid iteration is key. Capable of interacting effectively across diverse interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise. Fluency in English is mandatory. Must be available to start quickly and commit

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