The challenge
A large pharmaceutical company wanted to build an AI team for drug discovery. Its recruiters had worked on the VP role for eight months without reaching the right candidates. The hire needed senior drug discovery experience, knowledge of AI applications in pharma and the willingness to work on site full time. The client also wanted someone who could set strategy and still write code when needed.
Our search
We approached AI candidates we already knew through previous relationships. With so few people meeting the requirements, the search depended on sustained conversations about why the opportunity was worth a move.
The timeline
- Shortlist4 months
- Role filled6 months
Four months to shortlist; six months to fill.
The result
We filled the VP role and then helped the new leader build the team with machine learning engineers and project managers.
