Director/Senior Director, Molecular Discovery (AI)

TL;DR

Director/Senior Director, Molecular Discovery (AI): Leading small-molecule drug discovery programs using an autonomous science platform with an accent on hit identification, lead optimization, and candidate nomination. Focus on bridging AI/ML predictions with experimental validation to accelerate the delivery of high-quality clinical candidates.

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

Salary: $202,400 - $323,400 USD

Company

hirify.global is building Scientific Superintelligence to autonomously execute the scientific method across medicine, materials, and energy.

What you will do

• Own small molecule discovery programs from hit identification through lead optimization and candidate nomination.
• Lead discovery output by setting and hitting timelines, quality benchmarks, and throughput targets.
• Act as the primary interface between the autonomous science platform and drug discovery decision-making.
• Collaborate with AI/ML, robotics, and software engineering teams to optimize predictive accuracy and experimental efficiency.
• Architect end-to-end discovery programs, specifying assay cascades and decision criteria for compound progression.
• Manage relationships with CROs and external partners for specialized in vivo pharmacology, safety, and DMPK studies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in small molecule drug discovery, with 5+ years in a senior role advancing compounds to candidate selection.
• Proven track record of delivering clinical candidates.
• Deep fluency in medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR, synthetic tractability, and multiparameter tradeoffs (ADMET, PK, safety).
• Operational experience running discovery programs with clear metrics and accountability structures.
• Fluency with AI/ML-driven molecular design approaches such as generative chemistry and active learning.

Nice to have

• Experience with automated, high-throughput, or closed-loop discovery environments (self-driving labs).
• Hands-on experience in computational chemistry or cheminformatics.
• Experience building and scaling discovery operations from an early stage.
• Broad background across multiple therapeutic areas and target biology.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible time off with generous company-wide holidays and paid parental leave.
• Educational assistance program and commuter benefits (including bike share).
• Company subsidized lunch program for office-based employees.