The EVP, Head of Global In Silico and AI is a transformational executive leader responsible for shaping and executing Evotec’s global strategy for AI-driven in silico innovation in drug discovery. Leading cross-functional teams included within the In Silico Hub, as well as a Data Function, you will champion the integration of AI, computational science, and data-driven decision-making across the R&D continuum.
This is a high-impact, board-visible role with enterprise-wide influence — bridging science, technology, and strategy — to position Evotec at the forefront of AI-enabled drug discovery innovation.
As we reimagine how data and computation can accelerate drug discovery, this role is central to embedding AI and in silico methods as a core capability. You’ll lead the transformation from exploratory PoCs and a very scattered offering today to enterprise-scale solutions, building a unified digital backbone that fuels our competitive advantage on the market.
You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with the global function leaders to ensure that AI and in silico science become key pillars of Evotec’s commercial value proposition.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and own the global AI and in silico strategy, aligned to Evotec’s scientific vision and growth trajectory.
* Establish a clear operating model that integrates data science, bioinformatics, AI/ML, and simulation across discovery and development stages.
* Represent Evotec’s in silico innovation at executive, board, partner, and public levels.
* Lead the evolution of the In Silico Hub from PoCs to scalable, end-to-end solutions for target ID, lead optimization, and translational science.
* Oversee deployment of AI/ML models, molecular simulations, and data integration pipelines across R&D.
* Advance use of multi-modal data, including omics, imaging, real-world data, and lab automation outputs.
* Build and lead a multidisciplinary center of excellence, combining in silico science, data strategy, and platform engineering.
* Guide the creation, implementation and evolution of a Data Function (incl. data governance, domain stewardship, data architecture, modeling, curation and product delivery) for united steering of data and use case delivery to create customer and client value; in close collaboration with a future Head of Data function.
* Foster a matrixed leadership model that provides strategic direction of in-silico expert teams within adjacent operations functions.
* Own the prioritization and resourcing model for AI/in-silico projects; serve as strategic gatekeeper through all innovation stages. Be responsible for long-term skills and capabilities demand management for in-silico/AI groups.
* Govern the lifecycle of in silico tools and ensure alignment with business impact and ROI.
* Partner closely with Translational Medicine, IT, Clinical, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams to embed AI tools in workflows and GTM strategies.
* Evaluate market trends and industry signals to steer AI investment toward competitive advantage.
* Develop and select strategic partnerships. Lead external collaborations with academic institutions, AI providers, regulators, and digital consortia.
* Ensure compliance with data privacy, FAIR principles, and regulatory expectations (FDA, EMA) through leadership and delegating this task to required SME’s.
* Lead others to define and report KPIs to monitor performance, usage, and strategic value of in silico capabilities.
Knowledge & Experience
* Min. MA/MsC, or PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or related discipline
* 10+ years of experience in AI/in-silico roles within biotech/pharma, with proven executive-level leadership
* Strong background in computational drug discovery, including lead ID/optimization, translational modeling, or patient stratification
* Deep understanding of ML/AI technologies, systems biology, data integration, and scaling tools from concept to product
* Track record of building high-performing, cross-disciplinary teams
* Strategic thinker with strong stakeholder engagement skills and experience in matrixed global environments
* Recognized thought leader in AI for Life Sciences, with external visibility (publications, consortia, speaker roles)
Additional Experience
* Experience in platform architecture, data governance, and regulatory alignment
* Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory frameworks for in silico tools
* Expertise in cloud-native platforms (AWS, Azure), high-performance computing, or federated data environments
* Experience leading external partnerships (e.g., with startups, AI labs, or academic groups)
* Knowledge of FAIR data principles and ontologies
* Published in top-tier journals or patents in AI/in silico sciences
FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.
ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.
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