Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Strategy & Operations

at Recursion

🏢 About Recursion

Recursion is a pioneering TechBio company that uniquely integrates automated cell biology, high-dimensional biological data, and advanced AI analytics to decode biology and accelerate drug discovery. Unlike traditional biopharma, Recursion's AI-first platform approach systematically maps biological relationships to identify novel therapeutics, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about transforming drug development through technology.

About This Role

As Director of Strategy & Operations at Recursion, you'll drive portfolio-level strategy by ensuring programs align with company goals and are properly prioritized and resourced. This role involves developing analytical frameworks that integrate scientific, clinical, and commercial insights while specifically articulating how Recursion's AI-first platform creates superior R&D outcomes compared to traditional biopharma approaches.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing portfolio data through customized dashboards, meeting with program leads to assess milestone progress and resource needs, and collaborating with scientific teams to translate technical insights into strategic recommendations. You'll spend significant time developing frameworks that integrate AI platform capabilities with pipeline priorities while preparing executive-level presentations on portfolio strategy and competitive positioning.

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🎯 Who Recursion Is Looking For

  • 10+ years with management consulting experience (likely from firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain) combined with direct biopharma industry experience, particularly in drug discovery/development
  • Deep understanding of AI applications in biopharma and platform-based business models, with ability to articulate Recursion's competitive differentiation in the TechBio space
  • Advanced degree in life sciences or data science (PhD, MD, or MS) complemented by MBA or similar business training
  • Proven track record managing complex projects across scientific, technical, and commercial domains while building cross-functional alignment in matrixed organizations

📝 Tips for Applying to Recursion

1

Quantify your experience managing biopharma portfolios or platforms, specifically highlighting any work with AI/ML applications in drug discovery

2

Demonstrate understanding of Recursion's specific platform by referencing their published research, pipeline assets, or technical publications in your application materials

3

Highlight specific consulting frameworks you've applied to biopharma strategy (e.g., portfolio optimization, resource allocation models) with measurable outcomes

4

Show how you've integrated scientific/technical insights with commercial strategy in previous roles, as this is central to the position

5

Reference Recursion's specific therapeutic areas (oncology, neuroscience, infectious disease) and how your experience aligns with their pipeline priorities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience translating between scientific/technical teams and business leadership in biopharma or TechBio companies', 'Specific examples of developing portfolio frameworks or dashboards that integrated multiple data types (scientific, clinical, commercial)', "How you've previously assessed and articulated competitive differentiation for platform-based approaches in biopharma", 'Your approach to ensuring program milestones and value inflection points are consistently tracked across complex pipelines']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recursion's pipeline assets and therapeutic area focus (particularly their clinical-stage programs)
  • → Their published research papers and technical presentations about their platform capabilities and AI approach
  • → Recent investor presentations and earnings calls to understand strategic priorities and business metrics
  • → Competitive landscape of AI-driven drug discovery companies and how Recursion positions itself differently

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a framework to prioritize Recursion's pipeline programs given their AI platform capabilities and therapeutic area strategy?
2 Walk us through how you would assess and articulate Recursion's competitive differentiation compared to traditional biopharma and other AI-driven drug discovery companies
3 Describe your experience creating dashboards or analytics that integrate technical/scientific data with commercial insights for executive decision-making
4 How have you managed resource allocation trade-offs between platform development and pipeline programs in previous roles?
5 What metrics would you establish to track value creation across Recursion's portfolio of programs and platform capabilities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic strategy experience without specific biopharma or TechBio context - they need someone who understands drug development lifecycle
  • Focusing only on scientific expertise without demonstrating business/operational acumen - this role bridges both worlds
  • Failing to articulate how AI/platform approaches differ from traditional biopharma R&D - this is central to Recursion's model

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Recursion!

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