Drug Discovery & Translational Science Expert

1\. Overview

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team and help build foundational AI models from the ground up. We're seeking talented Discovery and Translational Science subject-matter experts (SMEs) from the pharmaceutical and biotech industry to bring deep expertise in drug discovery, target biology, and translating preclinical findings to the clinic and elevate the quality of our AI training data. This is a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, with the opportunity to be placed at a leading AI Lab as part of their extended workforce.

2\. Key Responsibilities

• Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in target identification and validation, lead optimization, biomarkers, and preclinical to clinical translation.
• Design challenging, realistic discovery and translational tasks, such as target validation strategies, assay and screening cascade design, lead optimization problems, biomarker selection and first-in-human translation scenarios, and write accurate, well-structured solutions.
• Evaluate AI model outputs on drug discovery and translational questions for scientific rigor, experimental design quality and correct interpretation of data, and provide clear, written feedback.
• Develop guidelines and detailed rubrics to assess hypothesis quality, experimental design, and translational reasoning across tasks.
• Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data.

3\. Core Qualifications

• 7+ years of dedicated industry experience in drug discovery or translational science, beyond doctoral and postdoctoral training, at a recognized, top-tier organization (e.g., a top-25 pharmaceutical company such as Pfizer, Merck, Roche, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi or GSK; a major biotech such as Amgen, Gilead, Genentech, Regeneron, Vertex or Biogen; a leading CRO such as IQVIA, ICON, Parexel, Syneos Health, PPD/Thermo Fisher, Labcorp/Fortrea or Medpace; or a regulator such as the FDA or EMA).
• PhD (or MD/PhD) in a relevant discipline such as biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or chemistry, with independent research led in an industry setting.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of: target identification and validation, assay development and screening, lead optimization (medicinal chemistry, DMPK), biomarker strategy, or preclinical to clinical translation (PK/PD, first-in-human dose rationale).
• Current or most recent role at Associate Director, Principal Scientist or Senior Manager level or above, with demonstrable career progression (e.g., Scientist → Senior Scientist → Principal Scientist → Associate Director → Director).
• Ability to engage reliably for at least 40 hours/week during weekdays.
• Experience with AI training or evaluation work, or hands-on use of AI tools in discovery or translational research, is a plus.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex scientific reasoning clearly.

About Cincinnatus LLC

Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for contingent and contract-based opportunities. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cincinnatus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Where you can work

This role is 100% remote, for applicants located in United States.