Director, AI for Protein Engineering (AI)

TL;DR

Director, AI for Protein Engineering (AI): Building and leading a world-class team of computational and ML scientists to redefine medicine through computational design of peptides, antibodies, and enzymes, with an accent on generative AI models for biomolecule design. Focus on bridging cutting-edge AI with life-saving medicine and overseeing the design strategy for Lila’s biomolecule-based portfolio.

Location: This role is based in San Francisco, CA or Boston, MA, with a strong preference for candidates located in or willing to relocate to San Francisco.

Salary: $360,000–$480,000 USD per year

Company

hirify.global is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab, pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by applying AI to every aspect of the scientific method.

What you will do

• Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of ML researchers and computational biologists.
• Drive research and implement generative ML models for biomolecule design, including diffusion models, protein language models, and structure-conditioned sequence generation.
• Supervise the development of the protein therapeutic portfolio, ensuring projects meet key milestones from initial design to lead optimization.
• Act as the primary bridge to the Life Science Experimental Research team, optimizing computational designs for wet-lab validation and active learning feedback.
• Partner with Life Science Product Management to align the technical roadmap with commercial goals and therapeutic priorities.

Requirements

• Proven track record of successful design of wet-lab validated biomolecules through AI.
• PhD with a focus on computation, specifically in Computational Structural Biology or Computer Science, preferably with AI-driven drug discovery focus.
• A portfolio of peer-reviewed publications or patents in premier venues (ICLR, ICML, NeurIPS, Nature, Science, Cell).
• Demonstrated experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex research portfolios in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Exceptional communication skills in translating high-dimensional ML concepts for biological scientists and presenting strategic visions to executive stakeholders.

Culture & Benefits

• Committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
• Generous early equity and bonus potential.