Senior AI (Protein) Engineer | Envirotech in AUSTRALIA

Want to help us in our mission to end the plastic pollution crisis?

Then come join Samsara in tackling one of the planet's biggest problems with big impact!

Samsara represents the coming together of co-founders, the Australian National University (ANU), one of Australia's largest retailers and Main Sequence Ventures, to address a big planetary problem and build the kind of solution the world has been waiting for. Not only

will Samsara’s technology play a key role in solving the world's plastic recycling problems and eliminating the production of plastics from fossil fuels, our commercial potential is compelling.

We are a jaw droppingly unique company! Whilst we are an envirotech start-up creating infinite recycling to end plastic pollution, we are also building an incredible place to work. We know that to make the magic happen our day to day working lives and rewards for our efforts need to be unique and exciting for the extra effort put in.

Reporting to the Head of Design and Research Founder and part of our growing Design team you will research, develop, implement and scale deep learning solutions for protein design. This team is at the heart of our mission, dedicated to developing and implementing state-of-the-art approaches for evolving enzymes.

Ideally this role is based in Canberra but we are happy to speak to amazing candidates that are based in Sydney and if you live overseas we are open to relocation!

Key Responsibilities...

Research and Development:

• Research (and keep updated with) and implement state-of-the-art advancements in protein design deep learning.
• Develop, refine, and innovate deep learning algorithms tailored to protein design.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver improved enzyme variants for industrial biocatalysis. Experience and knowledge in protein engineering is essential.

Model Implementation:

• Design and deploy scalable and efficient foundational deep learning models for protein and enzyme engineering.
• Monitor performance through validation data provided by experimental teams, with continuous improvement.

Computational Protein Design:

• Lead development, implementation and inference of non-AI (i.e. physics-based, statistical, evolutionary) protein design approaches.

Collaboration:

• Work as part of the machine learning team to lead machine learning solutions towards strategic objectives.
• Interface with experimental science teams to understand data needs and provide feedback and data informed solutions and insights.

You...

• PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics, protein engineering, or related field with 3 years experience. May include post doctoral or industry experience. Masters plus 5 years additional postgraduate or industry relevant experience. Alternatively – PhD in AI engineering with extensive and proven experience in protein engineering and evolution.
• Proven experience in computational protein design for biocatalysis.
• Proven experience in performing, interpreting and developing statistical and bioinformatic analyses / software.
• Expertise in scientific computing and simulation, including experience in high-performance computing.
• Experience in researching and developing deep learning models, with particular emphasis on natural language processing.
• Expertise in Python.
• Experience in PyTorch, HuggingfFce, TensorFlow or Keras.
• Understanding of DevOps and MLOps practices and developing software within a collaborative team environment.

Desirable...

• Familiarity with Natural Language Processing (NLP), transformers, and graph neural networks.
• Hands-on experience in developing large foundation models. Deep knowledge of currently available AI model architectures and data schemes. Perspective on advantages and drawbacks of various approaches.
• Broad knowledge of state-of-art machine learning approaches to protein design and biological data analysis.
• Experience in software development.
• Fluency in Python. Significant hands-on experience in developing software libraries such as tensorflow, pytorch, jax, keras, and scikit for model construction.
• Experimental / laboratory experience in biological assaying, protein preparation, and/or analytical techniques.
• Proven track record of delivering in cross-functional teams and in project management. Excellence in scientific communication.
• Experience in developing end-to-end python applications.
• Enthusiasm to learn new techniques. Strong curiosity of areas of biology previously unknown to you.

At Samsara, we offer a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking work environment. This is your opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists and engineers to drive progress in environmental technology. If you are excited about the potential of applying machine learning to combat plastic pollution and want to be a part of this transformative journey, we invite you to join us in making a difference.

The successful candidate will be a purpose-driven team player who is inspired by an opportunity to have impact in the world. They must deeply believe in Samsara’s purpose and the important role we will play in creating the most impactful recycling company.

WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE ABOUT US...

Remuneration - we offer competitive salaries in addition to the option of owning company shares.

Flexibility - at Samsara, flexible work means that our people are able to achieve work-life harmony. This includes support for how our people maintain health and wellbeing, parent or care for others, study, transition to retirement or pursue personal interests.

Autonomy - you are trusted to work independently, make sensible decisions, ask better questions, adopt techniques to work smarter and do what you say you will do.

Flat structure - we don’t entertain bureaucracy at Samsara! Our people are empowered to use their own initiative to solve problems collaboratively. Communication is fast which means quicker decisions and the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes.

Samsara is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Samsara is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Does this sound like your dream job? If it does, join our mission and apply now!