Research Associate in AI for Engineering Biology

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Research Associate to join a team integrating AI approaches with the design and implementation of biosynthetic pathways, in the group of Prof Geoff Baldwin at the South Kensington Campus. We are using CRISPR\Cas tools to target specific nodes in the E. coli metabolic network to create perturbations to metabolism.

This project seeks to integrate this approach with AI approaches to interpreting data with metabolic models. The work will be done in collaboration with the group of Prof. Jean-Loup Faulon (INRAE, Paris), who has developed a neural network-based approach to genome scale metabolic models (doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-40380-0). The project also seeks to explore alternative cutting-edge AI methodologies for the analysis of experimental data with a view to implementing active learning to create a self-optimising closed-loop system. You will be highly motivated, with good teamwork skills and a knowledge of both computational and coding approaches alongside well developed laboratory skills.

What you would be doing:

You will be responsible for developing and implementing AI methods for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. You will actively plan the computational research methodologies and the execution of experimental analysis. This will require close collaboration with experimentalists to ensure that the approaches being developed are applicable to the data streams being generated.

You will actively participate in programme and team meetings, project updates, and collaborative discussions both internally within the team and with external partners. You will be expected to present work through the writing of papers for publication and attendance and presentation at conferences.

You will provide guidance and direction to undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.

What we are looking for:

• You should hold, or ne near completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in a physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science or engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• You should have a high level of expertise and skills in machine learning and AI, Inductive and Abductive Logic Programming and application of AI/ML to synthetic biology.
• You should have knowledge of Coding skills, including Python and knowledge of logic-based programming and coding in PROLOG or Python.
• You will be expected to have excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The post is available full-time, fixed term until 13 August 2025 with possibility of extension.

You will be based at the South Kensington campus of Imperial College London.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact:

Prof. Geoff Baldwin g.baldwin@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information