Corporate Development, Drug Programs

About Chai Discovery

Chai Discovery is re-architecting drug discovery by building frontier AI foundation models to design molecules.

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

We’re looking to add a few members to our team of scientists and engineers, who obsess over creating the most powerful AI models for antibody discovery, and turning them into products that can transform how medicines are made.

About the role

We’re hiring for a Corporate Development leader who can scan the landscape that can expand Chai’s therapeutic pipeline, then build the business cases that move them from idea to signed deal.

At Chai, we’re entering a pivotal stage. After years of foundational R&D, our models are moving beyond protein structure prediction and into real-world therapeutic engineering. We're now tasking our AI models on a broad spectrum of drug development challenges, at an exciting scale of wet-lab validation.

This is not a typical role — it’s a chance to push the boundaries of drug discovery by building some of the most advanced AI drug design models ever built.

About you

We’re seeking a proven leader with a deep desire to bring this frontier technology into the pharma landscape. You should have :

Strategic & analytical background :

Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or MD) with 4 + years in corporate development, strategy consulting, or investment banking focused on biotech or pharmaceuticals

Deep understanding of drug-discovery workflows, clinical stage-gates, and valuation drivers

Market intelligence & opportunity assessment :

Strategic thinking with a track record of identifying high-impact opportunities

Ability to analyze market trends and competitive landscapes

Able to synthesize scientific diligence, IP freedom-to-operate, and commercial forecasts into clear recommendations

Experience running diligence workstreams, coordinating outside counsel, and supporting negotiation of licensing, option-to-buy, or M&A agreements

Familiar with common biotech deal structures (up-fronts, milestones, royalties, equity investments)

Mindset & collaboration :

Curious, numbers-driven thinker who can dive deep into science yet communicate to finance audiences

Thrives on juggling multiple prospects and working cross-functionally with research, BD, and finance teams to push opportunities forward

What we offer

Frontier technology : we’re developing the next frontier of AI-driven drug discovery that will fundamentally change how new therapeutics are created.

World-class team : opportunity to work with world-renowned leaders in the AI x biology and technology ecosystem who have created some of the most impactful advancements.

Highly competitive compensation : we offer highly competitive salary, equity package, and healthcare and wellness benefits.

Velocity and ownership : we move incredibly fast, which means continuous learning and career growth opportunities are a guarantee. Every team member owns a significant slice of the roadmap.

Strong team culture : Collaborative and supportive startup culture in a small and high-energy team who are guided by our mission to increase the efficiency of creating new medicines and positively impact millions of lives.

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