Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Early Discovery
at Recursion
🏢 About Recursion
Recursion is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a unique approach to drug discovery by integrating automated wet-lab experiments, advanced data science, and AI to decode complex biology at scale. Their platform generates massive datasets to identify novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates faster than traditional methods, making them particularly attractive for scientists excited by technology-driven discovery. Working at Recursion means contributing to a mission of industrializing drug discovery while tackling challenging diseases in oncology and immunology.
About This Role
As Head of Early Discovery at Recursion, you'll define and execute the strategy for target identification and validation, specifically focusing on oncology and immunology pipelines. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams to integrate advanced technologies like functional genomics and AI into discovery workflows, directly translating biological insights into actionable drug candidates. Your work will bridge cutting-edge research with Recursion's platform capabilities to accelerate the path from target to clinic.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing data from high-throughput screening campaigns, meeting with platform teams to optimize experimental designs, and guiding scientists on target validation studies. You'll spend time aligning early discovery priorities with company goals, mentoring team members, and collaborating with data science colleagues to interpret complex datasets. Strategic planning and cross-functional communication are central, as you bridge biological insights with Recursion's technological capabilities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Recursion Is Looking For
- A PhD scientist with 10+ years of deep, hands-on experience in oncology and immunology research, particularly in target identification/validation and mechanism-of-action studies.
- A leader who has successfully translated early discovery targets into later-stage drug discovery programs, with a proven ability to manage international, multidisciplinary teams of scientists.
- An innovator with demonstrated experience implementing modern technologies like AI, functional genomics, or high-throughput screening in a drug discovery context.
- A strategic thinker who can align early discovery efforts with company objectives while fostering collaboration across biology, data science, and platform teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Recursion
Explicitly quantify your impact in target identification/validation (e.g., 'led validation of 3 oncology targets that advanced to lead optimization').
Highlight specific experience with technologies mentioned in the job description (e.g., functional genomics platforms, fit-for-purpose screening, AI/ML in discovery).
Tailor your resume to show leadership in both scientific strategy and team management, especially in an international or multidisciplinary context.
Research and reference Recursion's specific platform capabilities or pipeline projects in your application to demonstrate genuine interest.
Emphasize your ability to work at the intersection of biology and technology, as Recursion's model relies on integrating wet-lab science with data science.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your strategic vision for early discovery at a technology-driven company like Recursion, specifically in oncology/immunology.', 'Concrete examples of leading target identification/validation projects that translated into later discovery stages.', 'Experience implementing modern technologies (AI, genomics, screening) to solve biological problems in drug discovery.', 'Leadership philosophy for inspiring multidisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration across scientific domains.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Recursion's current pipeline in oncology and immunology (e.g., programs mentioned in press releases or investor presentations).
- → Their technology platform details, such as the Recursion Operating System or specific AI/ML tools they've developed.
- → Company culture and values, as they emphasize collaboration, industrialization, and decoding biology.
- → Recent publications, partnerships, or acquisitions that indicate strategic direction in early discovery.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't address Recursion's unique technology-driven approach to drug discovery.
- Overemphasizing academic research without demonstrating translation into drug discovery or industry experience.
- Failing to provide specific examples of leadership in multidisciplinary teams or technology implementation.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!