Protein Engineering Scientist (m/f/d)

WELCOME TO BASF

BASF is a multinational company dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that address global challenges in food security and sustainability. Our Modelling team within Computational Biology research group combines expertise in protein engineering, artificial intelligence, and plant biology to develop cutting-edge technologies and create solutions that meet needs across multiple seed and trait business units.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Protein Engineer to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of computational protein engineering with proven expertise in using physics- and AI-based modelling tools, solid knowledge in protein and plant molecular biology, and strong communication skills. As a crucial member of our research and development team, you will identify opportunities to leverage advanced AI models for protein design and optimization, and you will apply them to enhance crop traits for increased resilience and yield.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• You will utilize and develop physics-based or AI-driven approaches to analyze protein structures and functions, predict protein-protein interaction, with a focus on improving and designing proteins that optimize traits related to pest control, disease resistance and herbicide tolerance. 
• You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, agronomists, and bioinformaticians, to integrate advanced methodologies into broader crop improvement programs in Trait Research and other Seeds & Traits R&D business units.
• You will identify creative opportunities to improve trait-associated lead proteins and translate them into protein engineering projects.
• You will contribute to the development and execution of research plans, experimental designs, and data analysis pipelines.
• You will work closely with the ML/AI community in the organization of Computational Biology groups and contribute to developing AI technologies and capabilities.
• You will stay abreast of the latest advancements in protein engineering and design methodologies related to plant protein and molecular biology, applying this knowledge to drive innovation within the company.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• You hold a Ph.D. or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in Protein Engineering, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• You possess solid knowledge and experience of ML and physics-based tools in structure biology, functional predictions, protein design, molecular dynamics, protein-protein interactions. 
• You have strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and computational modeling, along with expertise in ML techniques and relevant libraries such as PyTorch and Transformers.
• You have proven experience in the development of ML/AI models for protein engineering and design.
• You show proficiency in molecular biology, including a deep understanding of protein biology, genomics, gene expression, signaling pathways, and metabolic processes.
• You have experience conducting research to advance the state-of-the-art in protein engineering and AI methodologies while staying updated with the latest technological trends.
• You possess an entrepreneurial attitude, with the ability to identify innovation opportunities that leverage your knowledge in molecular biology and machine learning methods.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in conveying complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• You excel in documenting all processes, research, and findings for future reference and to ensure reproducibility.
• You demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A permanent contract within an attractive working environment in a professional and motivated team.
• A role with challenging assignments and responsibilities.
• An attractive base salary in relation to your diploma and competencies, an annual bonus and extra-legal benefits.

HOW TO REACH US

If you need more information about the process or the vacancy, you can reach our recruiting team here. 

ABOUT US

We are the world's leading chemical company because we offer intelligent solutions for our customers and for a sustainable future. We connect and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. 

Diversity is our greatest strength!

Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.