About Generare

Generare Bioscience is a Paris-based drug discovery company on a mission to deliver first-in-class medicines. Our platform generates novel chemistry with an unmatched diversity of structures and biological mechanisms, giving access to drug targets and modes of action that conventional approaches cannot reach.

We do this by tapping into billions of years of molecular evolution. Microbial genomes encode an immense reservoir of bioactive natural products, most of which have never been produced or tested. Generare’s technology unlocks this evolved chemistry at industrial scale, combining synthetic biology, computational biology, and high-throughput production to turn genomic potential into real compounds with real biological activity.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from INSERM and backed by a EUR15M round (Daphni, Alven), our team of ~25 operates from Paris Cochin. We are supported by a strong advisory board with deep expertise in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutic development.

The Opportunity

Generare’s platform is generating novel chemical matter at an unprecedented pace. The next critical step is to build the biological evaluation capabilities that will turn that chemical diversity into validated, partner-ready discovery programs.

As Biology Discovery Lead, you will own the biological evaluation of Generare’s novel compounds from first screening through mechanism-of-action elucidation and lead validation. You will design and implement the assay cascades that turn raw extracts into differentiated discovery programs.

This is a hands-on scientific leadership role. You will personally set up and run assays from day one, while progressively building the team and infrastructure needed to support multiple parallel programs. You will work closely with the CSO (Vincent Libis), the Bioassays Lead, and the Chemistry Lead to ensure biological insights drive program decisions at every stage.

A background in natural products is not required. What matters is deep expertise in modern disease biology and drug discovery assays, and the ability to bring that knowledge to bear on novel chemical matter from day one. We will teach you the natural products side.

Key Responsibilities

Assay cascade design and execution

• Design, implement, and own the biological screening cascade from primary screens through secondary and mechanistic assays.

• Set up and run disease-relevant assays from day one, including cell-based phenotypic screens, target-based assays, and mechanistic follow-up.

• Select the right screening approach (phenotypic-first, target-based, or hybrid) depending on program context and therapeutic area.

• Ensure assay design is grounded in a strong understanding of disease biology and unmet medical needs.

Mechanism-of-action and target deconvolution

• Drive MoA elucidation for active compounds, combining cellular, biochemical, and omics-based approaches.

• Design and coordinate target deconvolution strategies, leveraging internal capabilities and external collaborations.

• Interpret complex biological datasets to refine hypotheses, deprioritize dead ends, and accelerate learning cycles.

Discovery program leadership

• Own and drive discovery programs from hit confirmation through lead validation, defining milestones, go/no-go criteria, and data packages for partnering discussions.

• Partner with chemistry and analytical teams to support SAR development and lead refinement (potency, selectivity, early developability signals).

• Provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to the CSO and leadership on program prioritization and resource allocation.

Team building and cross-functional collaboration

• Work alongside the existing Bioassays Lead and Chemistry Lead; progressively hire and mentor additional discovery biologists.

• Serve as the biology/discovery interface with the platform, computational biology, and production teams to align discovery needs with engine outputs.

• Build strong internal routines for experimental review, data sharing, and scientific decision-making.

• Engage with external advisors and potential CRO/academic partners to extend discovery reach.

What We Offer

• A senior scientific leadership position in one of Europe’s most innovative biotech startups, with direct impact on discovery strategy.

• Access to a unique and rapidly expanding library of novel natural products that no other platform can provide.

• Close collaboration with experienced advisors shaping the discovery roadmap, and direct access to a broad network of academic and industry partners.

• A permanent position (CDI) with competitive compensation, equity participation (BSPCE), and standard benefits (meal vouchers, sustainable mobility allowance, RTT).

• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team of ~30 people in the heart of Paris (Cochin campus), working at the frontier of biology and chemistry.

Must-have

• PhD in biology, pharmacology, immunology, or a related discipline, with significant post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.

• Proven hands-on expertise in oncology and/or immuno-oncology assay development and execution in a drug discovery context (biotech or pharma).

• Track record of advancing at least one small-molecule program through hit-to-lead, including bioassay design, MoA elucidation, and/or target deconvolution.

• Deep understanding of phenotypic and target-based screening approaches, and the judgment to choose the right strategy for a given program.

• Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, high-autonomy environments with startup-level ownership and accountability.

• Excellent experimental judgment, scientific rigor, and clear, data-driven decision-making.

• Fluent in English. French is a plus but not required.

Nice to Have

• Experience with natural products or adjacent discovery modalities (microbial extracts, complex mixtures, novel scaffolds).

• Comfort with multi-omics data interpretation (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in a discovery context.

• Experience designing or interpreting in vivo proof-of-concept studies (e.g., syngeneic mouse models, xenografts).

• Prior experience building a discovery function or team from scratch in a startup or early-stage environment.

• Good awareness of the therapeutic landscapes in which Generare operates, including unmet needs and pipeline dynamics.

1. Introductory call with Guillaume Vandenesch (CEO).

2. Scientific deep-dive with Vincent Libis (CSO) and a senior advisor.

3. On-site visit at Cochin: meet the discovery and platform teams, discuss scientific vision.

4. Final conversation with the co-founders.

Interested? Send your CV and a short note describing your motivation and background to jobs@generare.bio

We welcome candidates with academic, industry, or hybrid backgrounds. We value clarity, curiosity, and scientific leadership. Generare Bioscience is an equal opportunity employer.