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- Tasks: Lead drug discovery from concept to clinical trials, shaping innovative therapies.
- Company: Join a pioneering AI-driven biotech focused on impactful treatments.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, and a chance to shape the future of biotech.
- Why this job: Be a founding scientist and make a real difference in drug development.
- Qualifications: Experience in translational biology or early development with a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a unique biotech culture and collaborate with top experts.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Zurich - remote, hybrid or relocation.
Have you ever wanted to take full ownership of a drug discovery programme, from initial idea through to first in human? This is an opportunity to join a venture-backed, AI native biotech at the earliest stage and play a central role in shaping how programmes are built, prioritised and advanced. You will not be inheriting a function. You will be helping define it.
About the company
Our client is building a new type of biotech. A small, high agency team focused on developing novel therapies for diseases with limited treatment options, using a combination of modern AI-enabled biology and a highly leveraged external model. Rather than scaling large internal teams, they partner with best-in-class computational and wet lab CROs, allowing them to run multiple programmes in parallel while staying lean and focused. The founding team brings deep expertise in AI-driven biology and early discovery, with an ambition to build a new generation of virtual biotech capable of moving quickly from idea to clinical validation.
The role
This is a founding-level hire, intentionally broad in scope and high in impact. You will operate across the full lifecycle of drug discovery and early development, with real ownership of programmes rather than a narrow functional remit.
Key responsibilities include:
- Defining and prioritising therapeutic programmes, including target selection and disease focus
- Shaping translational strategy, including biomarker plans and disease models
- Identifying programme risks and designing mitigation strategies
- Driving preclinical development from concept through to IND enabling studies
- Working closely with CRO partners across both computational and experimental workflows
- Helping build the scientific and operational foundations of the company
You will also play a role in company building, from engaging external experts to selecting tools and shaping how work gets done.
What they are looking for
There is no single background that defines the right profile. This could suit:
- A senior scientist in translational biology or early development who wants greater ownership
- Someone from a biotech or academic environment who has worked across multiple stages of the discovery process
- A future founder looking to gain hands-on experience at the earliest stage of company building
- An individual with strong biological depth and a clear track record of learning quickly across disciplines
Core attributes include:
- Deep biological understanding, in any relevant discipline
- High agency and comfort operating in ambiguity
- Strong intellectual curiosity and ability to self-direct learning
- Familiarity with modern AI tools in biology, even if not building them directly
- A practical mindset around translating science into viable programmes
What sets you apart
- Experience identifying and validating therapeutic targets or pathways
- Exposure to both discovery and preclinical development
- Evidence of building something meaningful, whether research, tools or programmes
- Interest or experience in immunology, neurodegeneration or related areas
Why this role
This is not a typical hire into an established structure. It is an opportunity to shape both the science and the way the company operates, working closely with a founding team that is already thinking differently about how biotech should be built.
Process
The process will involve an initial discussion, followed by deeper technical and strategic conversations with the founders. Timing is flexible, but the intention is to move with the right individual rather than a fixed deadline.
About Aspire Life Sciences
Aspire Life Sciences partners with founder-led biotech and technology-driven life science companies from early stage through to growth. We support across key leadership and technical hires, as well as advising on team build, structure and hiring strategy at critical inflection points.
If this role is of interest, or you would like to explore whether it aligns with your background, feel free to get in touch directly.
Founding Scientist / Translational Biology Lead in City of London employer: Aspire Life Sciences Search
Contact Detail:
Aspire Life Sciences Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Scientist / Translational Biology Lead in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the biotech field, especially those who are already working in AI-driven biology. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for drug discovery! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for shaping therapeutic programmes. Share your ideas on how you’d approach target selection or risk mitigation – it’ll show you’re ready to take ownership.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those technical chats! Brush up on your knowledge of translational biology and preclinical development. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. It’s all about demonstrating that you can hit the ground running in this fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. Don’t forget to tailor your approach to reflect the unique aspects of the company and the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Scientist / Translational Biology Lead in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for drug discovery and translational biology shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to shape programmes and make a real impact in biotech.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences that align with the role. Focus on your achievements in drug discovery, preclinical development, and any hands-on experience you've had. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this founding-level role. Share specific examples of your work, your understanding of AI in biology, and how you’ve navigated ambiguity in past projects. Make it personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire Life Sciences Search
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the latest advancements in translational biology and drug discovery. Brush up on key concepts, especially those related to AI in biology, as this role demands a deep biological understanding and familiarity with modern tools.
✨Showcase Your Ownership Mindset
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've taken ownership of projects or programmes. Highlight how you defined strategies, identified risks, and drove initiatives forward. This will resonate well with the company's focus on high agency and impact.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
Since this role involves operating in a dynamic environment, be prepared to discuss how you've navigated uncertainty in previous roles. Share specific instances where you thrived in ambiguous situations and how you adapted your approach to achieve results.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for shaping the future of biotech and how your background aligns with their innovative approach. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their journey.