Senior Software Engineer II, AI Research

As a Senior Software Engineer II at Formation Bio, your responsibilities include leading the design and development of software solutions that incorporate AI tools and models to enhance drug development processes. You will collaborate with product managers and domain experts to create innovative features, ensure the performance and security of software systems, and provide guidance on AI technologies across the organization.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer II position at Formation Bio, candidates should have a master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, or a related field, alongside at least 7 years of experience in software development. Proficiency in AI frameworks, collaboration skills, and hands-on experience with machine learning and AI technologies, particularly LLMs, is essential.

In this role, a Senior Software Engineer II at Formation Bio will focus on applied AI research, developing systems that utilize Machine Learning Models and Large Language Models to improve and expedite drug development. You will work on innovative projects that aim to integrate cutting-edge technology into traditional pharmaceutical workflows.

The culture at Formation Bio emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a mission-driven approach to improving pharmaceutical development. As a Senior Software Engineer II, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team that values diverse perspectives and continuous learning, while also witnessing the direct impact of your work on patient outcomes.

Formation Bio offers flexibility with remote work options for the Senior Software Engineer II position, prioritizing candidates from specific geographical areas. While NYC and Boston-based employees are encouraged to work in the office periodically, remote candidates may be considered depending on their qualifications and the needs of the business.

When answering, highlight specific projects you've worked on using frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Discuss how you've implemented these technologies to solve real problems in software development, especially in relation to drug development or similar applications.

Emphasize your communication skills and provide an example of how you’ve translated complex technical concepts into layman’s terms for non-technical stakeholders. Stress the importance of ensuring everyone is on the same page to foster better teamwork and innovation.

Share a specific project where you faced challenges, detailing the technical and teamwork obstacles you encountered. Be sure to focus on the solutions you implemented and what you learned from the experience.

Discuss the resources you use, such as forums, academic journals, or conferences that focus on AI and software development. Mention any networking groups or communities that you participate in that help you keep your knowledge current.

Talk about methodologies you've used in the past, such as using containerization, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), or cloud services. Provide examples of how these strategies helped to maintain a secure and scalable software environment.

Describe a specific proof-of-concept project, including the problem you aimed to address, the process you undertook to develop it, and the outcome. An emphasis on how this aligns with drug development can show your understanding of the role's relevance.

Provide examples of how you have communicated the benefits of AI to peers or management in the past, such as presenting findings from experiments or advocating for resource allocation for new tools that could enhance productivity.

Discuss your approach to balancing technical feasibility, business impact, and user needs. Describe a method you’d use to gather input from various stakeholders and make data-driven decisions to guide prioritization.

Share your insights on industry pain points, such as data quality or regulatory hurdles, and suggest potential solutions or approaches you've encountered in your work to address these issues.

Tailor your answer to reflect how your passion for AI aligns with Formation Bio’s mission in pharmaceuticals. Discuss your desire to contribute to meaningful work and how you admire their innovative approach within the tech-driven drug development space.