Director, Machine Learning, Virtual Cell Initiative

The role

The Director will lead a team of ML research scientists and engineers to develop a state-of-the-art foundation model and agentic framework. This work involves using single-cell genomic data to understand how cells respond to perturbations within the Virtual Cell Initiative.

What you will do

• Lead and build a team of 6 ML research scientists and engineers and students
• Work in an active learning loop with wet lab scientists to shape single cell training data
• Collaborate with research groups to integrate genomics, functional track, and omics data
• Stay up to date on frontier ML research and pioneer new architectures
• Build a high utility virtual cell model for use by biologists worldwide
• Commit to a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Attract top talent to support VCI initiative goals
• Recruit and manage a group of scientists and engineers
• Mentor and train other scientists

Required qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in/with machine learning
• Well versed in frameworks such as Pytorch, TensorFlow, JAX, etc.
• Proven experience leading research teams in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary environment
• Experience with or strong interest in biology
• Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with biologists and pure ML engineers
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong track record of presentations and publications

Nice to have

• experience or strong interest in biology and single-cell genomics

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus
• Compound Cash Grant Program (multi-year cash grants paid in semi-annual installments)

About the company

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology. It is based in Palo Alto and partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco.