Head of Biology

Michael Page International (Canada); Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local standard compensation

Opportunity to lead a varied team

Job summary

MPI is seeking an experienced leader to guide AI-enabled drug discovery and translational science for a de novo antibody drug discovery platform. You will define discovery strategy, lead end-to-end research, and drive automation with high-throughput screening across multiple therapeutic areas.

The successful candidate will bring 8–10 years in discovery/translational roles within global pharma, with fluency in English and Chinese, and a strong vision for AI-enabled drug development and

Qualifications

• 8–10 years in discovery or translational research within a multinational pharma/biopharma
• Deep understanding of end-to-end drug discovery process
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput automated wet-lab workflows
• Strong knowledge of target nomination, evaluation, and prioritisation
• Fluent English and Chinese for cross-functional communication

Responsibilities

• Define and shape discovery and translational research strategy aligned with scientific vision
• Provide scientific leadership across the drug discovery process from target validation to lead optimisation
• Lead high-throughput, automated screening efforts to enable efficient discovery
• Develop frameworks for target prioritisation using emerging technologies
• Apply broad therapeutic knowledge across modalities and identify translational opportunities
• Contribute to building the venture's scientific platform and team

Skills

AI-driven discovery

Translational strategy

Automation & HTS

Target identification

Cross-therapeutic experience

Scientific leadership

English proficiency

Chinese language

Job description

• 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.