Machine learning researcher
Full-time, Toronto, CA
Join Shift, where you’ll become an integral member of a high-performing and fast-moving team whose mission is to deliver the first drugs for safe cellular rejuvenation, addressing chronic diseases and extending healthy human lifespan. At Shift, we value ability and results, fostering a meritocratic culture that embraces respect, reliability, collaboration and communication.
We've pioneered a single-cell clock with unmatched accuracy, powered by cutting-edge machine learning and gene expression data. With this clock, our lab testing of rejuvenative interventions is four times faster than anyone else, providing a crucial edge. The clock also enables us to use cell simulations to explore the vast combinatorial space of genes, a previously impossible task.
As an ML Researcher at Shift, you'll develop and improve our cell simulation models. You’ll work alongside our Head of ML, Lucas Camillo, to build in silico cell perturbation models that accelerate our in vitro program. You will also interface with the wet-lab team to inform and optimize our experimental path using the latest active ML techniques.
We are looking for someone who has good communication skills and has previously participated in multidisciplinary projects (preferably in a biotech setting). You should also have a strong background in computer science and/or mathematics. This role is an opportunity to be part of a journey where your expertise shapes the future of scientific discovery.
What will you do?
● Design and refine search optimization algorithms to identify key genes for cellular rejuvenation
● Continually improve our cell simulation models, enhancing predictive accuracy, uncertainty metrics and inference time
● Further develop our high-precision single-cell clock to better monitor cellular aging
● Build and optimize single-cell models to predict age-related disease phenotypes
What are we looking for in candidates?
Candidates must have:
● A PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science or related fields
● Strong research background in academia or industry
● Skill and experience with cross-discipline communication
● Flexibility and willingness to learn on the job
The ideal candidate will also have experience with some of the following:
● In silico models of cell perturbation
● Bayesian statistics and active ML
● Experience with generative AI models, especially transformers
● An interest in healthspan and longevity research
What we offer
Join a team at the forefront of scientific innovation, where your contributions can make a lasting impact on healthcare, shaping a future that extends the prime of life. You’ll work on problems that matter and have the opportunity for rapid role progression if you’d like it.
We offer on-demand learning and training to support your career growth as well as attendance at relevant conferences. To facilitate onboarding and alignment, you’ll work from our office facilities in central Toronto. You can expect a competitive salary with milestone-based reviews, share options, private medical insurance and paid holiday.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short covering note outlining your interest and suitability in the position to brendan@shiftbioscience.com. You can expect to receive feedback within two weeks.
Interviewing with us
There are typically three stages - an initial chat to understand your motivations and interests, technical assessment and on-site team interviews. We will provide more information as you pass through each stage. We are a small and close-knit team and will try to introduce you to everyone so that you can imagine yourself here.