Head of High-Throughput Biology(J25402)

WuXi AppTec is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Head of High-Throughput Biology to lead the development and execution of scalable, automated, and high-quality biological assay capabilities supporting our global Design-to-Biology (D2B) platform.

This role will be responsible for establishing and advancing an integrated high-throughput biology operation that enables rapid, reliable, and data-driven compound evaluation across diverse therapeutic targets and molecular modalities.

The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in assay development, high-throughput screening, laboratory automation, and operational excellence with strong leadership capabilities to drive global collaboration, technological innovation, and continuous improvement in drug discovery productivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. D2B Platform Integration and Acceleration

* Serve as a key scientific and operational leader within the D2B platform, connecting assay development and biological execution with chemistry, computational sciences, and discovery project teams.

* Develop fit-for-purpose testing strategies to accelerate Design–Make–Test–Analyze (DMTA) cycles.

* Drive assay miniaturization, workflow standardization, and parallelization to increase throughput while reducing sample consumption and cost.

* Establish streamlined processes for rapid assay onboarding, compound testing, data delivery, and iterative optimization.

* Collaborate with platform stakeholders to continuously improve D2B productivity, scalability, and scientific impact.

2. Automation, Digitalization, and Technology Innovation

* Lead the implementation and optimization of automated assay workflows, including liquid handling, integrated instrumentation, high-content detection, and automated data processing.

* Partner with automation, informatics, and AI/data science teams to enable end-to-end digital workflows and structured, analysis-ready biological data.

* Identify and introduce emerging technologies that improve assay throughput, sensitivity, robustness, and operational efficiency.

* Establish quantitative performance metrics and continuous improvement programs across high-throughput biology operations.

3. Global Operations and Organizational Leadership

* Build, develop, and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team of assay scientists, automation specialists, and operational leaders.

* Establish globally aligned scientific standards, operating procedures, quality systems, and performance benchmarks.

* Coordinate cross-site capabilities and resources to support global client programs and internal discovery initiatives.

* Drive effective resource planning, capacity management, talent development, and operational excellence.

* Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

4. Scientific Partnership and Business Impact

* Partner with global scientific leaders, project teams, and external clients to design fit-for-purpose biological testing strategies.

* Provide scientific leadership in troubleshooting complex assay challenges and advancing novel testing approaches.

* Support technical discussions, client presentations, strategic proposals, and new business opportunities.

* Translate platform capabilities into differentiated service offerings that enhance speed, quality, and competitiveness.

Education and Experience

* Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biophysics, or a related discipline.

* Typically 12+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO drug discovery environments, including substantial scientific and people leadership experience.

* Demonstrated success in leading high-throughput assay development and execution organizations.

* Strong track record in building scalable technology platforms and supporting multiple concurrent discovery programs.

* Experience working across global, multidisciplinary organizations is highly desirable.

Technical Expertise

* Deep knowledge of biochemical and cell-based assay development, optimization, validation, and high-throughput execution.

* Hands-on understanding of assay technologies such as fluorescence, luminescence, TR-FRET, AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA, high-content imaging, and label-free detection.

* Strong experience with automated liquid handling, assay miniaturization, integrated laboratory workflows, and high-throughput screening infrastructure.

* Understanding of compound profiling, SAR-driven testing strategies, assay interference, and data quality management.

* Familiarity with laboratory informatics, automated data analysis, and digital integration of discovery workflows.

* Experience with innovative screening technologies, AI-enabled assay development, or advanced cellular models is an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

* Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to translate scientific vision into scalable operational capabilities.

* Strong execution orientation with a proven record of delivering high-quality scientific results under demanding timelines.

* Excellent organizational leadership, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

* Ability to balance scientific innovation, operational efficiency, and client expectations.

* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English required.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to shape the next generation of high-throughput biology at WuXi AppTec, building a globally connected, automation-enabled biological testing platform that accelerates drug discovery from molecular design to actionable biological insights.