Top young AI researchers avoid careers at large pharmaceutical companies

Mazdak Abulnaga, a 33‑year‑old postdoctoral fellow at MIT and Harvard Medical School, is highlighted as the type of employee pharmaceutical companies hope to attract this year.

Despite the demand, many leading AI professionals are showing little interest in joining big drugmakers, opting instead for roles in academia, startups, or other technology sectors.

The trend signals a hiring challenge for the pharma industry, prompting companies to rethink how they attract and retain top AI talent.