Senior Director, AI-Driven Discovery Biology

SoTalent; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 333,000; Full time

Job summary

SoTalent is seeking a senior scientific leader to direct discovery biology strategy within an AI-enabled research environment. The role will establish the biological and translational foundation for programs, from target validation through clinical hypothesis, while integrating experimental biology with AI-driven drug discovery approaches.

You will lead disease biology and target validation, define translational biomarker strategies, manage external CRO biology programs, and contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and 12–15+ years in drug discovery.
• Strong track record in target validation and disease biology.
• Experience contributing to IND filings and managing external CRO biology programs.
• Ability to integrate biology with AI-enabled data and translational strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead disease biology and target validation strategy across discovery programs.
• Establish mechanistic rationale and clinical relevance for therapeutic programs.
• Define translational biomarker strategies to support progression decisions.
• Design and oversee external CRO biology programs (in vitro/in vivo).
• Evaluate scientific data and ensure outputs are decision-ready.
• Integrate biology data into AI-enabled DMTA workflows.
• Collaborate with chemistry, DMPK, safety and structural biology teams.
• Represent biology strategy at governance and portfolio reviews.
• Contribute to IND-enabling biology packages and regulatory activities.
• Monitor disease biology developments to inform portfolio strategy.
• Help establish new operating models for AI-enabled discovery and automation.

Skills

Target validation

Disease biology

AI/ML data integration

Cross-functional leadership

IND filings

CRO management

Drug discovery

Leadership

Education

PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology or related

Job description

SoTalent is seeking a senior scientific leader to direct discovery biology strategy within an AI-enabled research environment. The role will establish the biological and translational foundation for programs, from target validation through clinical hypothesis, while integrating experimental biology with AI-driven drug discovery approaches.

You will lead disease biology and target validation, define translational biomarker strategies, manage external CRO biology programs, and contribute to