Head of Bioinformatics and AI-ML

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden the Netherlands and Cambridge Massachusetts USA. ProQR is focused on the development of lifechanging RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150 enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA) which is machinery present in all human cells to repair GtoA mutations modulate protein and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

ProQR is seeking a new leader for the AI and bioinformatics group overseeing and steering all of ProQRs data management bioinformatics machine learning and (generative) artificial intelligence activities. At ProQR we generate large quantities of platform data and have sizable ambitions in leveraging this data to accelerate our research to create better medicines for patients. As the leader of the bioinformatics and AI group you are collaborating with all teams throughout the R&D organization to generate store and analyze data in the most efficient and impactful way to gain insights that help drive our research and development of medicines forward. This leadership role requires you to design and articulate a strategy that is fit for purpose and lead implementation and operation thereof.

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy and Governance:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data strategy aligned with ProQRs R&D and business objectives particularly focusing on enhancing preclinical capabilities.
• Establish and enforce data governance policies standards and procedures to ensure data quality security and regulatory compliance.
• Define data architecture and infrastructure requirements to support current and future needs integrating advanced AI/ML technologies.

Data Management:

• Oversee the collection storage processing and analysis of structured and unstructured data from internal and external sources.
• Implement data management best practices and technologies to optimize data workflows storage and accessibility with a strong focus on preclinical research data.
• Drive initiatives to improve data quality integrity and accessibility across the organization ensuring seamless integration of AI/ML tools.

Data Analytics and AI/ML Insights:

• Lead efforts to derive actionable insights from data through advanced analytics machine learning and data visualization techniques enhancing drug discovery and development.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for leveraging data and AI/ML to drive business growth improve operational efficiency and enhance research outcomes.
• Develop and communicate datadriven recommendations and AI/ML insights to key stakeholders to support strategic decisionmaking in preclinical and clinical research.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Build and lead a highperforming team of data professionals including consultants data AI/ML experts and bioinformaticians.
• Collaborate with executive leadership R&D and IT teams to align data and AI/ML initiatives with overall business strategy and priorities.

Who are you

• Passion for AI/ML: You are passionate about AI/ML and its transformative potential in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries with a deep understanding of its applications in preclinical research.
• Education : Bachelors degree in Computer Science Data Science AI/ML Statistics or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in Data Management analytics and AI/ML with senior leadership experience being a plus.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically drive innovation and translate business requirements into data and AI/ML solutions that enhance preclinical research and development.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of AI/ML principles techniques and technologies including deep learning neural networks natural language processing and predictive modeling. Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tools
• Data Management Expertise: Strong understanding of data management principles techniques and technologies
• Data Governance: Expertise in data governance frameworks regulatory compliance and privacy regulations particularly in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Programming: Knowledgeable in programming languages data analysis tools and data technologies.
• Communication: Excellent communication leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to convey complex data and AI/ML concepts to nontechnical stakeholders.

ProQR as an employer

As an employer we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people working well together in an environment in which they thrive will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensure that no employee candidate or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race age disability pregnancy religion gender identity and expression sexual orientation marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance.

• 30 vacation days.

• An annual performance bonus.

• Stock options.

• A premiumfree pension plan.

• A commuting allowance.

• A subsidized staff restaurant.

• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks.

• Employee events (boot camp Rebel Caf and other social events).

Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission If so were looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form. You can contact Silvia Catellani via if you have any questions.