Valence Scholar Program (Multiple Openings)

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Drug Discovery, Effective communication skills

Job Description

About Valence Labs

Valence Labs is a research and productization engine within Recursion dedicated to advancing the frontier of AI in drug discovery. Combining the intellectual freedom of academia with the resources and stability of industry, we develop novel AI technologies to spearhead a fundamental shift in the way we discover and develop treatments for complex disease. Our research is driven by optimism, purpose, and a shared vision for a healthier tomorrow. We publish in top journals and conferences, are deeply committed to open-science and open-source, and maintain some of the largest and most active research communities in our industry. Our team is headquartered in Montreal, where we share close connections with Mila, the world’s largest deep learning research institute.

About the scholarships:

The Valence Scholarship is a competitive program aimed to support exceptional MSc or PhD students pursuing research in the field of AI for drug discovery, or students aspiring to begin applying their research to the domain of drug discovery.

Scholarships are offered to support the training & development of the next generation of leaders in this field. Through this initiative, Valence hopes to encourage and support novel innovations in AI that can accelerate the design and discovery of novel therapeutics that improve lives.

The impact you’ll have:

You’ll join other Scholars to accelerate your research and ensure it's aligned with the needs of the next generation of technology-driven drug discovery. You’ll ensure your academic work will have a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving field by allowing you to pressure-test your most disruptive ideas with experienced scientists working on real-world drug discovery programs.

With your collaborators, you’ll work on the hardest problems, including how to increase the efficiency and success of drug discovery programs. Through collaboration, your expertise will benefit an entire community and broader areas of science.

How you will be supported:

Recipients of the Valence Scholarship will benefit from:

• Financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition fee assistance.
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers at Valence Labs, including participation in ongoing projects likely to yield high-impact publications.
• Mentorship from distinguished scientists and industry experts from within the Valence Labs network.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental resources to conduct research and evaluate models.
• Eligibility for travel grants allowing for in-person work from Mila in Montreal.

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in or have proof of acceptance for a full-time MSc or PhD program in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in doing research at the intersection of AI and drug discovery or development, including a thoughtful research agenda detailing how they intend to contribute to the field.
• Have the ability to clearly communicate and articulate complex scientific material such as prior research experience or projects. 

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit:

• A proof of enrollment or acceptance in an MSc or PhD program.
• A 1-2 page research proposal detailing their plan for contributing to AI and drug discovery or development. The proposal should include research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.

Candidates demonstrating strong potential for advancing the field will be invited for an interview to discuss their research interests and alignment with the Scholarship’s objectives. Finally, selected Scholars will receive funding in accordance with their personal and institutional preferences.

Applications will be received on a rolling basis and awards given for as long as funds are available.

Join us in advancing drug discovery through AI. The Valence Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for talented and passionate students to make a lasting impact on the future of drug discovery during their studies. By bridging the gap between industry and academia, Scholars will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific innovation.