Machine Learning Scientist - #2667511

About The Company

Bayer AG Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the life sciences industry, dedicated to improving human health and well-being through innovative research and development. With a rich history of scientific excellence, Bayer focuses on advancing healthcare solutions, pioneering new therapies, and contributing to sustainable development. The company emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering diversity and encouraging innovative thinking to address some of the world’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Bayer’s commitment to responsible business practices and scientific integrity makes it a trusted partner for healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients worldwide.

About The Role

As a Principal Machine Learning Scientist at Bayer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of biomedicine through the development and application of cutting-edge machine learning models. Your primary focus will be on biomolecular design, target discovery, biomarker identification, and patient stratification. You will lead initiatives to integrate AI and machine learning into the research pipeline, working within a highly innovative, international team dedicated to digital transformation in biomedical research. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence both internal research projects and external collaborations, actively contributing to scientific advancements in drug discovery and personalized medicine. You will develop biological foundation models, such as protein/RNA language models and multimodal generative architectures, to simulate cellular and patient-level biological systems. Your expertise will help accelerate drug development processes and enhance our understanding of complex biological data, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Chemistry, Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemical or Bioengineering, or a related field at the intersection of Life Sciences and Computer Science
• Extensive industry experience in machine learning applications within the biomedical or pharmaceutical sector
• Deep expertise in modern machine learning methods, including sequence-to-function models, generative approaches, and multimodal data fusion
• Proven experience with ML workflows for biomolecular modeling, reaction prediction, gene regulation networks, digital twins, or patient phenotyping from multi-omics data
• Hands-on experience with large biological datasets such as Single-Cell, Spatial-Omics, Bulk Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Imaging
• Proficiency in Python programming, including PyTorch, pandas, scikit-learn, and collaborative software development best practices
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools, DNA/RNA biology, and agent-based AI workflows
• Strong scientific rigor, analytical thinking, and a track record of research success
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal
  
  

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, evaluation, and application of advanced machine learning models for biomedicine, including foundation models for proteins and RNAs
• Create virtual cell and patient models integrating multi-scale, multimodal biological data to simulate cellular states and support in-silico patient stratification
• Identify opportunities to accelerate drug discovery projects through internal innovations and external collaborations in AI
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including biologists, chemists, data scientists, R&D leadership, and external partners, to foster collaborative research
• Stay updated on the latest developments in foundation models, virtual modeling, and related areas, presenting findings internally and externally
• Coordinate initiatives to embed AI into the biomedical research workflow, promoting knowledge sharing within the team and with external entities
• Contribute to strategic planning and execution of research projects, ensuring scientific excellence and innovation
• Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and scientific curiosity
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary range between 104,300€ and 126,500€ annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus performance-based incentives
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models and part-time options, to support work-life balance
• Comprehensive family support, including access to company-sponsored childcare facilities, assistance with family-related leave, and family-friendly programs
• Access to continuous learning and professional development through Bayer Learning Academy, coaching, and mentoring programs
• Health and wellness initiatives such as free health checks, health seminars, and support for a healthy lifestyle
• Inclusive and diverse work environment that values individual contributions and promotes personal growth
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Bayer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, physical abilities, social background, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We believe that diversity fosters innovation and excellence, and we are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all candidates. Our hiring practices are designed to ensure fairness and to support a culture of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for everyone.