Welcome
Strategic Executive Search for Tomorrow's Biotech
Specialized recruiting for AI-powered therapeutics, synthetic biology, cell & gene therapy, and next-generation technologies
About HS Strategic Search
Specialized Expertise for Frontier Life Sciences and Healthcare Tech
High-Touch Partnership | Deep Scientific Insight | Exceptional Talent
- AI-Driven Biotech Expertise - From computational biology to data science leadership.
- Synthetic & Engineering Biology - Talent for next-generation bio design and platform companies.
- Cell & Gene Therapy - Leaders and technical specialists across discovery, development, and GMP.
Holly Smith
With nearly a decade of experience supporting early‑stage through commercial biotech organizations, I bring a science‑first approach and a boutique, high‑touch model. I partner directly with founders, CEOs, and functional leaders to deliver thoughtful and targeted search strategies for roles that require deep domain fluency.
I understand the science, the talent market, and the realities of building teams in fast‑moving, frontier modalities.
Specialized Expertise that drives better hires
AI & Data Science in Biotech
- Computational biology
- AI/ML for drug discovery
- Platform data leaders
- NLP
Synthetic Biology and Engineering Biology
- CRISPR & genome engineering
- Protein Engineering
- Biodesign & automation
- CAR-T
Cell & Gene Therapy
- Viral vectors
- Cell therapy manufacturing
- mRNA, LNP
- Program management
Next Generation Technologies
- Multi-omics
- Organoids
- Regenerative Medicine
- Microfluidics
Why choose HS Strategic Search?
As a boutique, high-touch search partner, I bring a combination of deep scientific fluency and hands-on recruiting expertise across frontier biotech. I work directly with founders, CEOs, and scientific leaders to understand the nuances of your platform, team, and challenges, ensuring every search is thoughtful, targeted, and aligned with your mission.
Why companies choose to work with me:
- Nearly a decade of specialized experience in life sciences recruiting
- Deep technical understanding of AI-driven drug discovery, synthetic biology, and cell & gene therapy
- High-touch, founder-focused approach with direct access to your search partner (no handoffs)
- Proactive, science-first sourcing into niche and hard-to-reach talent pools
- Transparent communication with honest market insights and consistent updates
- Tailored search strategies built around each company’s unique culture and scientific vision
SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS INCLUDE:
CBO ~ AI Discovery Platform, Oncology Therapeutics
CSO ~ Synthetic Biology, AI Platform
CHRO ~ Diagnostics, Platform Technology
CBO ~ AI/ML Platform, Peptide Therapeutics
EVP GM ~ Laboratory Products
SVP Discovery ~ Discovery Platform, Therapeutics
SVP Head of Clinical Development ~ AI Platform, Oncology Therapeutics
VP Data Science - Health Tech
VP Therapeutic Development Team Leader ~ Gene Therapy, Rare Disease Therapeutics
VP Data Science ~ AMD Therapeutics
VP Drug Discovery ~ AI Platform
VP Discovery ~ AI Discovery Platform
VP Product Development ~ Diagnostics
VP Commercial Operations and Analytics ~ Diagnostics
VP R&D ~ Cell Therapy
VP Marketing ~ AI/Digital Health Technology
VP Program Management ~ Oncology Therapeutics
Head Data Science ~ AI/ML Discovery Platform and Therapeutics
SD Regulatory Affairs ~ Gene Therapy
SD Program Management ~ Gene Therapy
SD Business and Corporate Development ~ AMD Therapeutics
SD Medical Education/Med Affairs ~ Healthcare Platform
Scientific Director ~ CDMO Gene Therapy
Director Computational Biology ~ Synthetic Biology and Gene Editing Technology
Director Bioinformatics and Data Science ~ Cell Therapy
Director Manufacturing ~ Cell Therapy
Director CMC Operations ~ Cell Therapy
Director Program Management ~ Ocular Disease Therapeutics
Controller ~ Health Tech
Faculty ~ National Medical Center
flexible RECRUITING support for life science companies
Retained Executive Search
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
For VP/C-Level, high-stakes leadership, or highly technical roles
- Structured retained search engagement with phased payments
- Deep market research and proactive outreach to passive candidates
- Rigorous vetting and assessment of candidates
- Accessing top-tier talent that might not be looking
Benefit: High touch and comprehensive process to secure the best leadership talent for your organization
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
Hybrid Retainer + Success Fee
For companies who want a dedicated search partner with performance based results
- Smaller monthly retainer payments to cover dedicated sourcing, outreach, and pipeline development
- Keeps costs predictable while driving incentive to fill quickly
- Balanced commitment and security
Benefit: Shared commitment and predictable lower time based costs upfront
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
For teams that want consistent, ongoing support
- Flat monthly fee for a set number of hours (e.g. 20-40 hours/month)
- I act as an extension of your team~ attending hiring manager meetings, managing candidate pipelines, and keeping the process moving
- Predictable cost and effort allocation
- Continuous candidate pipeline and hiring manager support
- Builds deep knowledge of company culture and team dynamics
Benefit: Predictable cost for you, consistent focus for me
Day Rate/Part-Time Contractor
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
Fractional Talent Partner/Monthly Retainer
For companies who need flexibility or want to "test-drive" embedded recruiting support
- Fixed daily or half day rate (e.g., 1-2 days per week)
- Flexible Scope: Building job descriptions, interview coordination, process improvements, candidate outreach and screening
- Test drive a fractional recruitment model without the commitment
- Quick access to senior level executive recruiting expertise
- Can scale up or down based on current hiring needs
Benefit: Only pay for the time and expertise you need