Chief Scientific Officer of Molecule Business

Overview

Chief Scientific Officer of Small Molecule Business

Experience: 15+ years in drug discovery R&D

Role

Summary:

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in drug R&D—ideally from a large pharma environment—who can provide scientific vision, operational discipline, and BD-savvy leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Leadership:
  Define and execute the comprehensive scientific strategy for small molecule research, covering Discovery, Target Identification, Lead Optimization, and Translational platforms.
• Portfolio Management:
  Oversee the progression of internal and partnered assets. Make critical data-driven decisions on candidate progression, prioritization, and portfolio diversification to maximize clinical success probability.
• Innovation:
  Stay at the forefront of global trends in small molecule research and AI-enabled drug discovery, ensuring Xtal Pi remains a competitive leader in the industry.
• Team Empowerment:
  Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of scientists across Molecular Chemistry, Biology, Discovery, and Engineering.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner closely with internal AI and algorithm teams. You do not need to be a coder, but you must be a champion for digital transformation.
• Workflow Optimization:
  Co-develop practical, problem-driven technologies. Provide the "chemist’s perspective" to ensure AI tools effectively enhance experimental workflows and accelerate decision-making cycles.
• External Engagement:
  Serve as the senior scientific voice of Xtal Pi in external engagements. Represent the company at major scientific conferences, investor meetings, and industry forums.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  Act as a key scientific counterpart to our Pharma and Biotech partners, driving collaboration success and identifying new business opportunities through scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry, or a related small molecule discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in drug discovery and development, with a significant tenure in leadership roles within large pharmaceutical companies or global biotech organizations.
• Track Record:
  Proven history of successfully leading large scientific teams and delivering candidates from discovery into clinical development.
• Executive Presence:
  Exceptional communication and presentation skills. Ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including investors, partners, and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Tech-Forward Mindset:
  Comfortable working at the intersection of science and technology. While prior computational experience is not required, a strong willingness to collaborate with AI teams and adopt new methodologies is essential.
• Strategic Thinking:
  Demonstrated ability to balance scientific curiosity with business acumen and portfolio strategy.

Seniority level
:
Executive

Employment type
:
Full-time

Job function
:
Science