Aaron Morris

Aaron Morris is a visionary leader in AI-driven drug discovery, serving as CEO and Co-Founder of PostEra since 2019. He successfully transitioned from a background in finance and applied mathematics to spearhead a biotechnology company, applying machine learning to accelerate medicinal chemistry, leading to significant collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Amgen. His strategic direction has focused on integrating molecular design with chemical synthesis and leveraging AI across the entire drug discovery cycle, including the development of PostEra's Proton platform. postera+5

With a strong foundation in mathematics, including a BSc from Durham University and an MSc from Oxford, Aaron brings a quantitative and analytical approach to his entrepreneurial ventures. This academic background in applied mathematics provided him with the skills to optimize trading strategies using machine learning at Goldman Sachs, a capability he now applies to the complex challenges of drug discovery at PostEra. medium+2

Before co-founding PostEra, Aaron spent five years at Goldman Sachs, progressing through roles as a Risk Analyst, Equity Derivatives Trader, and in Equities Trading. His experience in financial markets involved applying machine learning algorithms and risk analysis, equipping him with a robust understanding of data-driven decision-making and strategic implementation in high-stakes environments, which he has since applied to the biotech sector. informaconnect+2

Aaron is a vocal advocate for open science and collaboration, notably co-leading the COVID Moonshot, the world's largest open-science initiative for patent-free COVID antiviral development. This project demonstrated PostEra's AI capabilities in real-world scenarios, rapidly progressing from concept to development candidates and attracting significant grants, showcasing his commitment to impactful scientific innovation. medium+2

As a first-time CEO in biotech, a field outside his initial academic training, Aaron has actively shared his leadership insights. His Medium article, "Lessons learned as a New-Here CEO," reflects on critical aspects of startup leadership such as understanding industry conventions, valuing diverse expertise, and maintaining personal conviction in decision-making, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and mentorship. medium