Discovery Data Scientist

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.

Counting Brazil’s Fiocruz as a founding member and numerous collaborations with science and access leaders in Latin American region, 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). 

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 need

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 in accordance to best practice.

Contribution

The Discovery Data Scientistprovides specialist services to operational line or project teams, working within tried and tested

policy, process or practice. The Discovery Data Scientist solves non-routine problems on a case by case/project basis, reflecting

understanding of the needs of the DNDi projects, programs, and the external environment

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 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

• 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 andmaintain productive relationships by projecting the image of a credible partner

• 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

• 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 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

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in local languages desirable (Portuguese and Spanish)
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

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 characteristic.