Head of Biology

• Bring AI-enabled drug discovery and translational science to the team.
• This is a De Novo AI-driven antibody drug discovery platform.

About Our Client

Our client is a global leading biopharma company, with novel AI driven humanized antibody platform.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Discovery & Translational Strategy: Define and shape the discovery and translational research strategy, ensuring alignment with the venture's scientific vision and development objectives.
• End-to-End Discovery Expertise: Provide scientific leadership across the drug discovery process, from target identification and validation through hit discovery, lead optimisation, and translational research.
• High-Throughput & Automated Screening: Leverage experience in high-throughput, fully automated wet-lab experimentation to support efficient and scalable drug discovery.
• Target Identification & Prioritisation: Develop scientific frameworks for target nomination, assessment, and prioritisation, incorporating emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Cross-Therapeutic Innovation: Apply broad scientific knowledge across multiple therapeutic areas ideally from Immunology and identify opportunities to translate novel approaches into drug development programmes.
• Platform & Team Building: Contribute to the development of the venture's scientific capabilities, research platform, and future organisational structure.

Candidate Profile - Essential Requirements

• Professional Experience: 8-10 years of discovery and/or translational research experience within a multinational pharmaceutical company or leading biopharmaceutical organisation.
• Discovery Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end drug discovery process, with demonstrated experience in discovery-stage research.
• Automation & Screening: Hands-on experience with high-throughput and fully automated wet-lab experimentation.
• Target Strategy: Strong understanding of target identification, evaluation, and prioritisation, with the ability to assess emerging scientific and technological trends.
• Language Skills: Fluent Chinese and English are both essential, with the ability to communicate effectively in scientific, strategic, and cross-functional settings.
• Scientific Vision: Genuine conviction in the potential of AI-enabled drug discovery and strong alignment with the venture's mission and entrepreneurial aspirations.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class otherwise protected under applicable human rights legislation. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled and all other qualified applicants.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class otherwise protected under applicable human rights legislation. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled and all other qualified applicants

The Successful Applicant

Preferred Qualifications

• International Education & Industry Background: Overseas educational experience, ideally combined with a background as a Chinese scientist trained or experienced in a major global pharmaceutical company.
• Entrepreneurial Orientation: Experience participating in a startup, venture-building initiative, or transition from global pharma into an entrepreneurial environment. Candidates who have returned to China or are considering returning to China to participate in innovation and company building are particularly welcome.
• Cross-Therapeutic Experience: Experience spanning multiple therapeutic areas is preferred, rather than highly specialised expertise limited to a single narrow therapeutic area. Broad exposure across the drug development lifecycle is valued.
• Communication & Fundraising: Strong presentation, scientific storytelling, and public-speaking capabilities. Experience supporting investor presentations, roadshows, or strategic partnership discussions would be an advantage

What's on Offer

• Local standard compensation and benefits package.
• The opportunity to lead a varied team and contribute to cutting-edge research in the life science industry.