Machine Learning Intern

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe.

Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.

Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is a world leader in real-time, scalable DNA/RNA sequencing. Our mission is to enable the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. We're looking for a motivated Machine Learning intern to join our cutting-edge team and contribute to our efforts in developing and enhancing high-performance algorithms in the field of genomic sequencing.

Location: Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Oxford, UK
Duration: 3 months, with potential for extension
Start Date: Spring/ Summer 2025
Hours: Full-tim

About the Role
As a Machine Learning Intern at Oxford Nanopore, you will work closely with experienced ML researchers and engineers, supporting various projects that contribute to improving our sequencing accuracy, speed, and efficiency. 

You’ll gain hands-on experience applying machine learning to real-world problems in bioinformatics, work with large datasets, and contribute to the development and deployment of models used in our sequencing pipelines.

Details

• Assist in the design, development, and testing of machine learning algorithms for signal processing, basecalling, or data analysis.
• Work with large datasets, including pre-processing, labeling, and structuring for model training and evaluation.
• Perform model evaluation and optimization, including hyperparameter tuning, feature selection, and architecture experimentation.
• Collaborate with team members to implement efficient and scalable ML solutions, optimizing for high-throughput genomic sequencing.
• Document and communicate your findings clearly with cross-functional teams.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in machine learning, especially in deep learning, sequence modeling, and bioinformatics.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in machine learning and deep learning fundamentals, including hands-on experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn.
• Experience with data manipulation and processing for machine learning purposes.
• Knowledge of signal processing or time-series data is a plus.
• A passion for applying ML to real-world scientific challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in collaborative teams.

Eligibility

Successful candidates will be available to accept a minimum 3-month placement, commencing from spring/summer 2025. Specific dates will be discussed at interview.

All roles require the intern to work full time hours for the duration of the placement, and be present in our Oxford HQ, on Oxford Science Park

Person Specification

• Essential: Willingness to learn under direction.
• Desirable: Self-directed learning ability.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects in genomic sequencing and contribute to impactful, life-changing technology.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and engineers.
• Access to state-of-the-art resources and tools.
• Networking opportunities within the industry.
• Internship compensation

Final stage selection will take place in Oxford HQ

All roles require the intern to work full time hours for the duration of the placement, and be present in our Oxford HQ, on Oxford Science Park

If you’re interested in gaining work experience in a highly skilled team of friendly scientists while contributing to the development of platforms for DNA/RNA sequencing development, we would love to hear from you!

Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Oxford Nanopore’s goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology enabling the real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 100 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses and whole environments.

Oxford Nanopore was founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford and now employs over 1000 employees around the world.