About the Department
The DNDi discovery team located at the DNDi offices in Geneva and Rio de Janeiro are focused on the discovery of novel treatments of neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and dengue fever. These efforts are conducted in close collaboration with partners around the globe.
About the Office
Counting Brazil’s Fiocruz as a founding member and numerous collaborations with science and access leaders in Latin America, DNDi established itself in Rio de Janeiro in 2004. An integral part of DNDi’s global network, DNDi Latin America nurtures R&D and access partnerships in the broad region eco-systems, including for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, hepatitis C, and dengue, while contributing to DNDi's global strategy. It also undertakes advocacy in support of neglected patients and leads capacity-building projects through multi-country clinical research and drug discovery platforms, including the Chagas Clinical Research Platform and RedeLEISH and the Lead Optimization Latin America (LOLA).
Overview
The Discovery Data Scientist will assist the discovery team to deliver on the team objectives and plays a critical role for the progression of DNDi Hit generation and Lead Optimization (LO) projects up to preclinical candidate delivery.
Key focus of the role:
- Responsible to ensure that the DNDi discovery compound & data management system is adequate and meets the needs of the discovery department of the organization.
- Ensure the integration of novel R&D tools into current workflows to increase the efficiency and ability to incorporate emerging technologies e.g. AI, Machine learning in the organization. The role may also include direct or indirect support to the DNDi disease teams.
- Support the team in the analysis, modelling, interpretation, and presentation of drug discovery data.
The Discovery Data Scientist works in close collaboration with other members of the DNDi global discovery team to progress the DNDi discovery portfolio of DNDi projects. The Discovery Data Scientist should establish and maintain effective working relationships with other groups at DNDi as well as external collaboration partners such as academic research institutions, expert consultants, and industrial partners to ensure that data is in accordance with best practice.
Responsibilities
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Ensure timely integrity check and upload of new data into the DNDi database repositories tool (currently ScienceCloud), review technical quality of data import.
- Ensure appropriate database import templates are in place and shared with partners and CROs.
- Oversee the database structure, if applicable proposes and action reviews and upgrades.
- Provide database access, including data downloads to collaboration partners as requested.
- Manage licenses for DNDi R&D software, ensure compliance with DNDi IT policies and data security.
- Maintain interaction with database and supplies of scientific software e.g. Biovia, Optibrium, support DNDi staff in resolving issues related to software use and data upload/retrieval of data.
- Work with DNDi IT department to resolve issues related to internal infrastructure and DNDi use of scientific software.
- Review new software solutions and propose upgrades to the DNDi software suite, if requested provide input to investment cases.
- Contribute to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches into DNDi projects.
- Provide adequate support with data analysis and data interpretation on DNDi discovery projects.
Tasks and Responsibilities for R&D staff:
- Contribution to DNDi working groups where technical expertise on data management, data analysis, and interpretation is required.
- Instrumental in the preparation of documents (reports, presentations, data visualizations,…) for internal and external use.
- Manage scientific software licenses used by the Discovery Team.
Additional /specific/projects responsibilities:
Good communication and presentation skills.
Reporting line & Interactions
- Job title reports to Head of Discovery and R&D Partnership - LatAm.
- Other contributing managers: Discovery Project Manager (ADME/PK), Discovery Project Leader (Hit generation), Drug Discovery Coordinator LATAM.
- Works within the Discovery Team, ad hoc interactions with other DNDi departments such as Translational and Pharmaceutical development teams.
- Works in close collaboration with external partners, service providers, and experts.
- Has a representational role through the promotion of DNDi data management and software requirements and maintain productive relationships by projecting the image of a credible partner.
Qualifications
- Minimum 6 years’ relevant experience in which at least 3 years at Officer level or equivalent.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure.
- Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable.
- Graduate or post-graduate degree.
R&D Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge in data management applied to R&D.
- Strong knowledge on technical integration of R&D software to address specific tasks and workflows.
- Good understanding of topics related to knowledge of Drug Discovery/Development, including basic understanding of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biology.
Basic understanding of scripting e.g. SQL, HTML.
Experience and Education
- Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem-solving competencies.
- Very good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team.
- Well organized and structured.
- Very good analytical skills.
- Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision.
- Ability to manage middle-sized projects with budget management under supervision.
- Provide specialist services to operational line or project team.
- Ability to solve non-routine problems on a case by case/project basis.
- Has certain autonomy for taking actions and decisions.
- Ability to interact with external stakeholders.
- Ability to be the focal point/manager for consultants.
- Ability to supervise at a smaller level.
Other requirements
- Fluency in English.
- Proficiency in local languages desirable (Portuguese and Spanish).
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
DEI Statement
DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organization. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristics.