Forward-Deployed Scientist

Chai Discovery builds frontier AI models to design molecules and transform how new cures are found. We are a craft-obsessed team setting out to re-architect drug discovery and save lives.

The Chai founding team brought together leading researchers in this space and top silicon valley operators. Our founders led seminal accomplishments at top AI-for-biology programs and labs, co-invented protein language modelling, built state-of-the-art folding algorithms, and sold AI adopted by top-10 pharma companies. We are backed by top-tier investors, including OpenAI, Thrive Capital, Dimension, Conviction, Lachy Groom, Amplify, and many more.

We're hiring a scientist with deep roots in drug discovery and antibody engineering who's ready to parachute into industry leading global biopharmaceutical partners and ensure that Chai's first engagements are wildly successful. You will help your counterparts understand the capabilities and limitations of our AI platform; devise + share best practices, tips & tricks; and generally be our number one power user & educator.

You will dive deeply into our partners' drug programs, becoming an expert in their science and therapeutic concerns. You will be eyes & ears on the ground to help us sense opportunities waiting to be developed and get in front of any potential issues. Know our partners' problems better than they do. Help us understand how users think about our product, where they get blocked, what they love and what they don't.

This is a chance to push the boundaries of drug discovery and help advance the most advanced AI drug design platform ever built. Immerse yourself in the technologies and methods that represent the future of industry.

Our ideal candidate has a blend of scientific, relationship and communication excellence. You are a scientist with a deep biologics and drug discovery background. You operate with urgency and are innately curious about the promise of AI and computational methods more broadly—the more hands-on you have been, the better.

You have a deep desire to push the limits of what’s possible in therapeutic design and a restless drive to solve real-world problems. Exposure to startups or other intense environments is essential.

Scientific Background:

• PhD or equivalent work experience in Biological Sciences, Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Hands-on expertise with design and characterization in antibody-based biologics. Nice to have experience across at least one advanced modality (e.g., bispecifics, TCEs, ADCs).

• Proficient in molecular-biology workflows: cloning, transient/stable expression (mammalian or yeast), purification, and quality control.

• Familiar with binding and developability assays, SPR/BLI, ELISA, flow cytometry, etc.

• The more experience with computational tools the better, and ideally exposure to emerging AI/ML technologies.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Excellent at communicating with internal & external audiences, from research associates to executives.

• Strong relationship builder who innately builds trust and is a great listener.

• A pragmatic and collaborative problem solver.

Mindset:

• Thrives under pressure. You like to be in the hot seat.

• Detail-oriented and fast-moving

• Curious

• Empathetic

• Ambitious

• Frontier technology: work on the technologies that promises to fundamentally change how new therapeutics are created.

• World-class people: work with world-renowned leaders in the AI x Biology ecosystem.

• Velocity and ownership: we move incredibly fast and liberally distribute ownership, which means continuous learning and career growth opportunities are guaranteed.

• Strong culture and mission: we foster a supportive culture that is mission-driven and high-energy.

• Highly competitive compensation: we attract the best talent and compensate them accordingly.