Orion is seeking a visionary and technically exceptional Lead AI Scientist
- Small Molecule Discovery to join our Molecular Prospecting and Modeling 
Unit. This newly established role is ideal for a scientist driven to push 
the boundaries of modern predictive and generative AI methods and redefine 
how small molecule drug discovery is conducted. If you're passionate about 
innovating beyond the current state-of-the-art and building transformative 
solutions that shape the future of drug design, we want to hear from you.

We are on a bold digital transformation journey to redefine pharmaceutical 
R&D through the power of data, machine learning, and AI. As part of this 
mission, we are building a world-class digital R&D ecosystem that 
integrates scientific innovation with cutting-edge technology. We are 
pawing our way to the future by transforming how we discover and design 
small molecule therapeutics, integrating computational methods with domain 
expertise in medicinal chemistry, biology, and pharmacology. Join us at the 
forefront of this transformation and help accelerate the discovery and 
development of new therapies for patients around the world. 


About your role

As Lead AI Scientist, you will act as a thought leader in machine learning 
and artificial intelligence, spearheading the development of novel 
methodologies to enable data-driven hit discovery, hit-to-lead progression, 
and lead optimization. You will work alongside a highly experienced 
computational team and have a pivotal role in empowering scientists across 
Orions R&D, including Medicinal Chemistry and DMPK-Tox experts.

This role is not project-bound or service-orientedit is about initiating 
a fundamental evolution in computational drug discovery at Orion. You will 
have a strong mandate to explore new technologies, implement cutting-edge 
solutions, and influence the strategic direction of AI-driven design.


Your key responsibilities

- Developing and validating advanced AI/ML methodologies for molecular 
generation, prediction, and optimization.
- Designing and implementing scalable computational pipelines, models, 
and tools to be used by the broader modeling and cheminformatics team.
- Driving innovation in areas such as foundation models, active learning, 
and generative chemistry with attention to synthetic feasibility.
- Staying at the forefront of scientific and technical advances in AI for 
drug discovery.
- Collaborating with internal computational experts and selected external 
partners to extend Orions capabilities.
- Contributing to scientific publications and participating in the broader 
scientific community where appropriate.

This is a full-time position based in Cambridge, UK. In this position, you 
will report to the Head of Computational Design based in Espoo, Finland.


What we offer

At Orion, your work directly contributes to improving the lives of patients 
worldwide. We provide:

- A forward-looking, collaborative scientific environment with top-tier 
professionals.
- A unique opportunity to drive a technological leap in AI-powered drug 
discovery.
- Access to diverse chemical and biological data and modern compute 
environments.
- Opportunities for scientific publishing and engagement in external 
collaborations.
- Competitive salary, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, and 
support for international relocation.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, 
patients and society at large.  Our culture of friendliness, respect, 
mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where 
you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and 
development opportunities that support the development of innovative 
solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and 
Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.


Our expectations

To succeed in this role, we expect you to have:

- Ph.D. in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational 
chemistry, cheminformatics, or a related field.
- 5+ years of postdoctoral experience.
- Proven track record in developing and applying modern AI/ML 
methods (e.g., generative models, GNNs, active learning, foundation models)
in a scientific context.
- Strong coding skills and experience with relevant ML frameworks
(e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX) and chemistry toolkits (e.g., RDKit).
- Deep understanding of molecular representation techniques and their 
application in modeling.
- Experience in designing and implementing robust, scalable AI-driven 
workflows and tools.
- Passion for scientific discovery and the curiosity to explore new 
frontiers.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary 
environment.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Experience with organic and medicinal chemistry is highly valued, but 
deep domain expertise is not required.


How to apply and additional information

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply! Please submit 
your cover letter and CV by May 25th, 2025, and let us know what drives 
your passion for AI in small molecule discovery. You can find the job among 
our open positions on our website at https://www.orionpharma.com/careers/ 


Unit description

Orions pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization.
We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and 
development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham 
in England and in New York, NY, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines 
business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a 
global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas. 

Our Medicine Design Department plays a critical role in drug discovery, 
from target validation to clinical candidate nomination.

The Molecular Prospecting and Modeling Unit defines hit-finding strategies 
for early-stage drug discovery and develops computational methods to 
support all stages of small molecule discovery. Our unit integrates 
cheminformatics, AI, molecular modeling, and structural biology to 
accelerate and guide data-driven drug design.


About Us

Orion is a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company  a builder of 
well-being for over a hundred years.

Orion provides meaningful work for more than 3 600 Orionees in Finland and 
abroad. Orion is known as a responsible and reliable employer where we 
value each other, strive for the best and build for tomorrow.

We develop, manufacture and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and 
active pharmaceutical ingredients. Orion has an extensive portfolio of 
proprietary and generic medicines and consumer health products. The core 
therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary 
products developed by Orion are used to treat cancer, neurological 
diseases and respiratory diseases, among others.

Please submit your cover letter and CV by May 25th, 2025. You can find the 
job advertisement  among our open positions on our website at 
https://www.orionpharma.com/careers/

Please find the direct link to the job advertisement below, through which 
you can submit your application and CV.
https://fa-esaq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/OrionCareers/job/420/?location=United+Kingdom&locationId=300000000446159&locationLevel=country&mode=location