EVP Head of Global In Silico and AI (all genders)

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.