AI, ATS Myths and the Reality of Clinical Research Hiring with Ali Ghiassi

In this episode of The Human Protocol, Theodora Savlovschi-Wicks is joined by Ali Ghiassi, Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Precision Medicine Group and founder of Bench to Boardroom LLC.Drawing on years of experience across life sciences recruitment and talent acquisition, Ali takes us behind the scenes of what actually happens when a clinical research role opens, from defining the real business need to reviewing candidates in an increasingly crowded market.The conversation challenges some of the biggest hiring myths around ATS scores and AI, explores the growing problem of fraudulent applications, and looks at why networking, specificity and human judgement still matter enormously in the recruitment process.Ali and Theo also discuss where AI genuinely adds value, how hiring may evolve towards skills-based approaches, and why the human side of recruitment could become more important rather than less.Key takeaways🔸 Why a high ATS score does not mean you are the right candidate for the role🔸 Why application volume can be a bigger barrier than AI screening🔸 How candidates should — and should not — use AI when writing their CV🔸 Why recruitment fraud is changing verification and hiring processes🔸 Why networking and visibility matter more than simply submitting more applications🔸 Why human judgement will remain critical as AI becomes more embedded in recruitmentChapters:00:50 Introduction and Ali’s Background01:35 How Clinical Research Hiring Actually Works07:26 ATS Scores, AI Screening and Hiring Myths11:37 Remote Roles, Location and Why Candidates Get Rejected14:33 700 Applicants Per Role and the Reality of Application Volume18:31 AI-Written CVs, Fraud and Candidate Verification33:59 Will AI Replace Recruiters?46:58 Skills-Based Hiring, Career Strategy and Advice for CandidatesGuest: Ali GhiassiDirector, Global Talent Acquisition, Precision Medicine GroupFounder, Bench to Boardroom LLCLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alighiassi/Host: Theodora Savlovschi-WicksFounder and Managing Director, Vivexa PartnersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theoswicks/The Human Protocol is a podcast from Vivexa, exploring clinical conversations at the intersection of people and trials.