Building a world-class AI robotics lab to revolutionise life sciences
Case study
Aithyra is a pioneering life sciences institute that set out to revolutionise biological discovery by embedding artificial intelligence and robotics at the core of research. To achieve this ambition, they required a visionary leader capable of designing and building a state-of-the-art AI-integrated robotics laboratory from the ground up.
This role demanded not only deep technical expertise at the intersection of biology, automation, and machine learning, but also the strategic vision to unite innovation, culture, and long-term ambition within a new research environment.
The search
Aspire Life Sciences conducted a global search in partnership with Aithyra to identify the ideal leader for this landmark appointment, the creation of a world-class AI robotics laboratory from scratch.
The search culminated in the appointment of Wali Malik, a specialist in lab robotics, high-throughput science, and informatics.
James Trott, Director at Aspire Life Sciences, led the executive search. He immersed himself in Aithyra’s world, visiting their facilities in Vienna, engaging with leadership, and developing a deep understanding of the organisation’s vision and needs. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to connecting global innovators with the talent shaping the future of science and health.
With 17 years of experience across biotech, pharma, and cutting-edge gene therapy, Wali brought exceptional expertise in building and scaling automated platforms that integrate scientific processes with digital infrastructure, capabilities that aligned perfectly with Aithyra’s next stage of growth.
Relocating from the US to Europe for this once-in-a-career opportunity, Wali reflected on the move:
“Vienna is known for its excellent quality of life. Our new institute has long-term funding and will play a leading international role in the field. We can pursue innovative basic research at the highest level here, that convinced me.”
Speaking about his new role, he added:
“Because I am the first employee of our new robotics lab, I can build the robotics and data infrastructure we need to achieve real innovation even before the first researchers begin their work. This is a unique opportunity for me, and the leadership of the new institute shares my vision.”
Beyond his technical expertise, Wali brought the mindset of a builder, collaborator, and integrator, the cultural fit Aithyra needed to establish this capability from a blank canvas. His ability to translate blue-sky ideas into scalable infrastructure made him the standout choice for this pioneering role.
Outcome
As Head of AI-Driven Lab Robotics, Wali now leads the development of Aithyra’s robotics infrastructure, a critical component of its mission to transform biomedical science. His team is creating high-throughput, automated experimental systems capable of generating the vast, high-quality datasets that power AI-driven discovery and therapeutic innovation.
Or, as Wali puts it:
“Iron Man’s lab is actually no longer science fiction. Such systems already exist for isolated work steps, and we will work on further improving this technology.”
By securing Wali, Aithyra gained not just a hire, but a leader capable of realising their bold ambition: the seamless integration of AI across biological scales.
This appointment underscores Aspire Life Sciences’ dedication to connecting global innovators with visionary talent. The kind that bridges science, technology, and culture to shape the future of health and discovery.
Read more: US star researcher: “Iron Man’s laboratory is no longer science fiction”
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