Research Scientist, Protein Design, DeepMind

Research Scientist, Protein Design, DeepMind Overview

This role sits within Google DeepMind in London and focuses on research at the intersection of protein design, machine learning, and experimental biology. The team works on ambitious AI research with the aim of solving difficult scientific problems and supporting high-quality innovation. The position is intended for someone who can combine computational methods with biological insight, work across disciplines, and help move promising ideas toward practical testing and broader scientific impact.

What you will do

• Use generative machine learning approaches to create proteins with new capabilities, including enzymes, so they can be evaluated in laboratory experiments.
• Develop predictive models and practical procedures that estimate the likely function of proteins designed in silico.
• Investigate and fix failed design attempts by applying expertise in protein design methods and understanding how sequence, structure, and function relate to one another.
• Partner with teammates from a range of scientific backgrounds to improve existing protein design tools and broaden what those tools can do.
• Look for research directions in protein design that could make a meaningful difference, both in method development and in downstream applications.

What the role involves

Google describes research scientists as people who set up large-scale experiments, move promising ideas into practice quickly, and work to deadlines while developing new or improved products, processes, or technologies. The work can involve prototyping, designing new approaches, and tackling real-world problems. In this area, the research is expected to contribute not only to internal progress but also to the wider scientific community through publication and knowledge sharing.

The DeepMind environment is presented as highly interdisciplinary, with teams working on advanced AI to address complex global challenges and support scientific discovery. The organization emphasizes safety, ethics, and public benefit, and it offers opportunities to learn across different career paths while working collaboratively toward ambitious goals.

Minimum qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field such as protein design, protein engineering, machine learning, structural biology, or a similar area, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least two years of experience using protein design tools and contributing to their development.
• Experience working in an application area related to protein design or protein engineering.
• Experience analyzing wet-lab measurements that reflect protein function.

Preferred qualifications

• At least two years of research experience after completing a PhD.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanistic enzymology, biocatalysis, or computational chemistry.
• Experience carrying out experiments to characterize protein function.
• Strong computational skills, solid quantitative reasoning, and the ability to communicate technical ideas clearly.

Additional information

The role is based in London, UK. Google notes that English proficiency is required for all roles unless a posting explicitly says otherwise. The company also states that it does not accept agency resumes and will not be responsible for fees tied to unsolicited resumes. It further explains that equity grants, where applicable, are discretionary and governed by Alphabet’s stock plan and grant agreement terms.

Google also states that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It says it is committed to building a workforce that reflects the users it serves and to maintaining a culture of belonging. The company lists protected characteristics covered by its equal employment commitment and notes that applicants who need an accommodation can use the accommodations form provided in the application process.

Applicants are told that information collected through the Google Careers profile and any submitted application is handled under Google’s Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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