Chief Scientific Officer

Ailux; Massachusetts; Remote; USD 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech company is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer to lead scientific strategy in biologics discovery and development. This role requires 15+ years of experience in drug R&D, ideally within a large pharma environment. The CSO will oversee an R&D team of 80 scientists and collaborate with external partners. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with a PhD in a life sciences discipline. The position is full-time and based in the U.S.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in biologics discovery and development, particularly in large pharma or global biotech.
• Proven track record of advancing assets into preclinical development.
• Comfortable collaborating with AI teams without needing prior computational experience.
• Immunology experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication skills and a natural presence in external-facing roles.
• Comfortable collaborating with AI teams, though prior computational experience is not required.
• U.S.-based; ability to travel for key internal and partner meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead Ailux's scientific strategy across biologics discovery.
• Empower a team of 80+ scientists across various research disciplines.
• Engage with external partners, investors, and collaborators.
• Collaborate with internal AI teams to co-develop practical, problem-driven technologies that enhance experimental workflows.
• Prioritize internal and partnered assets, contribute to portfolio strategy, and advise on candidate progression.
• Stay abreast of scientific and competitive developments in immunology, biologics, and AI-enabled drug discovery.

Skills

Leadership in scientific teams

Immunology experience

Strong communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

External partnerships

Education

PhD in life sciences discipline

Job description

Location: United States (Remote/Flexible)

Experience: 15+ years in biopharma R&D

Reports to: CEO

About Ailux

Ailux is an AI-native biotech company redefining how biologics are discovered and developed. Founded in 2021 and backed by XtalPi—a global leader in AI drug discovery (#1 by market cap)—Ailux has grown to 100+ team members across Asia and North America. Our AI-powered, lab-validated biologics discovery platform has led to partnerships with top biopharma companies including Lilly, J&J, and UCB.

As we prepare to advance our internal pipeline into the clinic, we’re seeking a seasoned, strategic scientific leader to shape the next phase of innovation at Ailux.

Role Summary

The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) will lead Ailux’s scientific strategy across biologics discovery, target identification, and translational research. This is a high-impact, external-facing role that oversees an R&D team of 80+ scientists and interfaces regularly with the executive team, pharma partners, and the AI/ML division.

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in drug R&D—ideally from a large pharma environment—who can provide scientific vision, operational discipline, and BD-savvy leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and lead Ailux’s end-to-end scientific strategy across discovery, target ID, and translational platforms.
• Guide and empower a team of 80+ scientists across molecular biology, biologics discovery, protein engineering, and translational research.
• Serve as a senior scientific voice in external engagements—including with partners, investors, and collaborators.
• Collaborate with internal AI teams to co-develop practical, problem-driven technologies that enhance experimental workflows.
• Prioritize internal and partnered assets, contribute to portfolio strategy, and advise on candidate progression.
• Stay abreast of scientific and competitive developments in immunology, biologics, and AI-enabled drug discovery.

Qualifications

• PhD in a life sciences discipline (e.g., immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering).
• 15+ years of experience in biologics discovery and development, with significant time in large pharma or global biotech leadership roles.
• Proven track record of leading large scientific teams and advancing assets into preclinical development.
• Immunology experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication skills and a natural presence in external-facing roles.
• Comfortable collaborating with AI teams, though prior computational experience is not required.
• U.S.-based; ability to travel for key internal and partner meetings.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Science