Research Director, Drug Discovery & Lab Technology Solutions

This position leads IDC’s research coverage of drug discovery and laboratory technology—a fast-evolving domain spanning AI/ML-enabled discovery platforms, laboratory informatics (LIMS, ELN, SDMS), lab automation and robotics, and the digital lab strategies reshaping how pharmaceutical, biotech, and CROs accelerate the path from target identification to development. As Research Director, you’ll develop and champion a cutting-edge research agenda that influences both technology vendor strategy and buyer decision-making, establish thought leadership through flagship publications and industry presentations, and scale IDC’s advisory footprint with enterprise life sciences clients and technology providers. You’ll partner with senior industry leaders, present at premier drug discovery and lab technology conferences, and shape industry conversation on emerging AI-driven discovery methods and digital lab modernization. This role uniquely combines deep technical understanding of drug discovery science and laboratory technology with strategic business acumen, strong client-facing leadership skills, and the opportunity to influence how the industry approaches lab transformation. Ideal for someone passionate about translating complex scientific and technology trends into actionable market insights and driving industry transformation.

• →Develop a compelling research agenda. Publish thought leadership research for technology vendors and buyers across drug discovery and lab technology markets.
• →Demonstrate thought leadership in this space and communicate to senior client executives the importance of new trends shaping AI/ML-enabled drug discovery, laboratory automation, digital lab transformation, and lab data and analytics.
• →Scale the research program’s client base. Engage with sales and marketing to support business development and raise the visibility of the program
• →Develop and deliver presentations to senior industry stakeholders; present at industry conferences (e.g., Lab of the Future, AIDD, Discovery on Target)
• →Participate in survey design and analysis, collaborating with IDC’s primary researchers to develop, execute, and publish relevant survey findings on drug discovery technology adoption and lab modernization
• →Engage with clients on custom research projects, including vendor assessments and technology strategy advisory engagements
• →Serve as a spokesperson for the program, engage with the press

• Required degree or certifications (e.g., Bachelor’s in a relevant field, specific certifications): Master’s or PhD in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, paired with professional experience in drug discovery research, laboratory technology, or life sciences R&D. Desired certifications include certification or training in LIMS/ELN administration, laboratory informatics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics
• Required years of relevant work experience, including any specific industries: At least 7 years of experience in drug discovery research, laboratory tech/informatics, or life sciences R&D, including experience working with lab software vendors, or covering these vendors and advising life sciences organizations on lab / drug discovery strategy
• Essential technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, technical competencies):
  • Drug Discovery Science: Target identification, high-throughput screening, computational/AI-driven drug design, and translational research methods.
  • Laboratory Technology & Digital Lab: LIMS, ELN, scientific data management systems (SDMS), lab automation and robotics, and IoT-enabled instrumentation.
  • R&D Data & Analytics: Cloud-based R&D platforms, data integration across the discovery-to-development pipeline, and applied AI/ML in life sciences R&D.
  • Market & Competitive Analysis: Ability to track the vendor landscape, assess market sizing, and build forecasts for drug discovery and lab technology markets.
  • Cross-functional expertise: Experience working with R&D, IT, regulatory, and commercial teams within pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO organizations
  • Scientific expertise: Understanding of the drug discovery and development pipeline, laboratory operations, and life sciences R&D workflows
  • Data management: Experience with scientific databases, R&D data platforms, and cloud/AI-enabled lab systems
  • Expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AI tools
• Personal attributes that align with the position (e.g., adaptability, problem-solving abilities): Excellent presentation skills, ability to think out-of-the-box, an analytical and curious mindset, good listening skills, and an ability to challenge the status quo, strategic thinking and business acumen, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate shifting timelines and prioritize effectively.
• Percentage of travel required: 35%
• Desired work model: Remote