Data Scientist

Ivy Farm - Data Scientist (Statistics and Machine Learning)

At Ivy Farm our mission is to create the world’s best guilt free and sustainable meat, it’s cultivated meat, just like real meat, only made differently - and we’re super excited by it.

Were a humble community of 40+ technical and scientific crew; a team where you can make a true difference to animal well-being and global sustainability.

Get ready to dive into a thrilling world where data isn't just numbers - it's the key to unlocking ground breaking discoveries Picture yourself at the forefront of innovation, harnessing the power of cutting-edge machine learning technologies to decode the mysteries hidden within cell culture experiments. You'll be building advanced ML models that seamlessly integrate internal and external data sources, weaving together algorithms that paint a vivid picture of what lies beneath the surface. But it doesn't stop there - your journey will take you on a rollercoaster of predictions and evaluations, where every line of code you write propels you closer to transformational insights. Get ready to revolutionise the way we understand cellular biology and pave the way for a future where every experiment holds the promise to aid global sustainability

This is a new role - we’re growing our Data Science team, and we’re looking for a dynamic Data Scientist who will work alongside our R&D team to apply cutting-edge computation, data-driven methods, Machine Learning/Deep Learning approaches to accelerate our cell-cultivated meat programs by contributing to improving the design and engineering of novel mammalian cell lines, formulation of media and bioprocess development.

You’ll be working side-by-side with biologists, automation scientists, chemical engineers. Working to deadlines and delivering results will come naturally to you, and if that’s resulted in commercially available product(s) all the better.

And right now, you’d relish the chance to apply your expertise to do something different; something that can make a real difference too.

Responsibilities to give you a flavour - but of course not limited to:

• Relish building models from internal and external data sources, algorithms, predictions, and performance evaluation by writing code and using state-of-the art machine learning techniques to assist in the interpretation of cell culture experimental assay outcomes

• You’ll be hands on applying and developing artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) approaches (e.g. classification, clustering, machine learning, deep learning) on our research data sets (e.g. Cell culture, DoE, media formulation, bioprocess parameter optimisation, etc.) to accelerate data-driven decision-making and automate review of experimental data enhancing bioprocess understanding

• Interacting closely with the team research scientists and bioprocess engineers in core scientific platforms/R&D will be your day to day, focusing on cell culture, media development and bioprocess optimisation…we’re a friendly bunch

• And you’ll be instrumental in contributing to the experimental design based on the objectives set for the study and support customised data visualisation and analysis solutions

• You’ll also help to develop new quantitative methods with the aim of improving processes in various projects and developing new analysis opportunities by integrating existing and new data sources

• You’ll update and report relevant results to interdisciplinary project teams and stakeholders – a master of knowledge sharing on statistical and AI/ML methodologies

• You’ll obviously maintain a keen awareness of recent developments in data science and state-of-the-art of AI/ML/DL algorithms and research results to keep us ahead of the game

In a nutshell: Here at Ivy Farm, the R&D requires modelling and data science expertise – the analysis of multi-dimensional data sets including in vitro cell culture studies, media development and small-scale to large-scale bioprocess optimisation, all to assist with the establishment of leading end-to-end in silico modelling platform.

The skills you’ll bring:

• We reckon you’ll have an M.Sc. or PhD in a field related to AI/ML or Data Analytics such as: Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Biophysics, Computational Biology or Engineering Science

• You’ll have worked in an industry-setting, preferably biopharma / biotech with a track record of applying ML/Deep Learning (DL) approaches

• Familiarity with advanced statistics, ML/DL techniques including various network architectures (e.g: CNNs, GANs, RNNs, Auto-Encoders, Transformers, PLM etc.), regularisation, embeddings, loss-functions, optimization strategies, or reinforcement learning techniques

• Advanced programming skills and proficiency in data manipulation

• Prior work experience with analytical/statistical data analysis tools such as Python, R and deep learning libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras

• Familiarity with data visualisation and dimensionality reduction algorithms

• Ability to develop, benchmark and apply predictive algorithms to generate hypotheses

• Comfortable working in cloud and high-performance computational environments (e.g. GCP, AWS)

• Desirable, but not essential: An understanding of mammalian cell line and bioprocess development

• Work collaboratively, establish and maintain close working relationships with scientists across R&D generating data as part of a cross-functional team

To be an Ivy Farmer we need you to be:

• Natural problem solver

• Lateral thinker

• Have excellent time-management & organisational skills

• Ability to manage multiple work streams

• Confident communicator, both written and verbal

• Happy to work with a team or alone to achieve deadlines

We’re an innovative bunch, with a can-do attitude and one that’s unafraid to think differently. We also have project targets, compliance expectations and – as in any fast-growing business – sometimes competing priorities. That’ll be something you have not just experienced previously but somewhere you thrive. We’ll be looking to you to share your expertise and experience with the team. We also realise this may well be your first venture into cultivated meat – and that’s absolutely fine – we have a great team that will be excited to help you get to grips with that.

So, if you’re ready to join an emerging ground breaking industry, that’s both able to think differently and actively looking to do so, and one where you can make a difference to animal well-being and sustainability then we’re waiting to hear from you

And just to confirm, here at Ivy Farm, we're an employer that believes in creating a workplace where everyone feels included and valued, no matter who they are.

We're always on the lookout for people with awesome attitudes and impressive behaviour. If you think you can bring something positive to the farm, we're excited to hear from you. Even if you're not sure you meet all the requirements, don't be shy – you never know what might happen We want to make a special shout out to people who identify as LGBTQIA+, disabled, or come from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. These groups don't have as much representation in the tech industry, and we really want to encourage you to apply.

Salary: £DOE, Bonus, Excellent Benefits Package, inc. Private Health Insurance and Company Shares, team get togethers, company parties, a well-stocked kitchen and free flowing tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks.

Location: Oxford, on site at our super cool head office

Previous applicants need not apply, successful candidates selected for interview will be contacted from 19th August (please bear with us as this is holiday season )