Chief Scientific Officer

Chief Scientific Officer – AI-Enabled Functional Genomics

Location: Golden Triangle, UK (hybrid, with a strong in-lab presence)

Reporting to: CEO | Senior Leadership Team

The opportunity

We’re partnering exclusively with a funded, high-growth techbio company that’s building an AI-driven target discovery platform. Its science sits where large-scale functional genomics meets machine learning.

The company is now hiring its first senior scientific leader. You’ll own that loop between experiment and model end to end, and shape the R&D strategy, platform, and team for the next stage of growth. This is a executive role, with real influence on the company’s scientific direction and value.

What you’ll lead

• Scientific strategy: own the R&D roadmap and target discovery strategy, advise the CEO and Board, and guide hypothesis generation, validation and customer-focused applications.
• Functional genomics: build and scale multiplexed and pooled CRISPR screening programmes in cell systems, from genome-scale to targeted screens.
• Automation: set the high-throughput strategy, covering liquid handling, imaging, data capture, LIMS and reproducible workflows.
• AI partnership: work hand in hand with the ML and computational biology teams so experimental data is structured to train and validate models, and define the standards for biological validation.
• Leadership: recruit and grow multidisciplinary teams, and represent the science to investors, partners and customers, including during due diligence, IP work and publications.

What we’re looking for

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, functional genomics, genome engineering or a related field, with around 10+ years’ post-PhD experience.
• A proven record of leading CRISPR screening programmes, ideally in manufacturing cell lines.
• Experience with lab automation and high-throughput screening.
• A clear understanding of how functional genomics data drives AI/ML target discovery.
• Experience building and leading scientific teams, with the presence to work at board and investor level.

Highly desirable: a background in biopharma, CDMO, synthetic biology or cell-line engineering; base or prime editing; single-cell ; investor-facing experience; a strong publication record.

Why consider it

• A seat at the top table at a well-funded company at an inflection point.
• Meaningful equity, alongside a strong base salary.
• The chance to build a world-class platform and team largely from the ground up.

Confidentiality

The client’s name is confidential and will only be shared with shortlisted candidates. All approaches are handled in strict confidence.

To apply or for a confidential conversation, contact Alex Salmon, Director – Executive Search, Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment, at alex@cranleighstem.co.uk.