Associate Scientific Director, Immunology & Autoimmunity Drug Discovery

Hartmann Young is partnering with an established discovery CRO to appoint an Associate Scientific Director who will help shape and grow its Immunology & Autoimmunity offering.

This is an opportunity for an experienced discovery scientist to influence therapeutic area strategy, develop scientific capabilities and build relationships with biotech and pharmaceutical clients.

The role would suit an established Associate Director or an experienced Group Leader ready for broader scientific and strategic responsibility.

The opportunity

You will help define the future direction of the immunology and autoimmunity offering, with a particular focus on inflammation, human disease biology and translational pharmacology.

Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will connect scientific expertise with client needs, help shape integrated discovery programmes and support new business opportunities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing the scientific strategy and identifying opportunities to strengthen the therapeutic area offering.
• Providing scientific leadership across discovery programmes, including hit identification, hit-to-lead and lead optimisation.
• Guiding the selection and development of human immune-cell assays, patient-derived systems and translational disease models.
• Working with commercial colleagues on RFIs, RFPs, scientific proposals, project scoping and client presentations.
• Building trusted relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for new collaborations.
• Mentoring scientists and influencing delivery across teams through scientific leadership.
• Increasing external visibility through scientific meetings, publications, case studies and marketing contributions.

What we’re looking for

• A PhD, or equivalent experience, in immunology, pharmacology or a related discipline.
• Substantial industry drug discovery experience within a CRO, biotech or pharmaceutical organisation.
• Direct experience progressing small-molecule discovery programmes, including hit-to-lead and/or lead optimisation.
• Strong expertise in inflammation, autoimmunity or related immunology, supported by an understanding of human disease biology.
• Experience with primary human immune cells, disease-relevant cellular assays and translational approaches.
• A track record of leading scientific programmes and working effectively across disciplines.
• Confidence discussing scientific strategy with external partners and translating their requirements into practical research plans.

CRO experience and involvement in proposals, project costing or business development would be particularly valuable. Biotech and pharmaceutical candidates with strong CRO collaboration experience are also encouraged to apply.

Previous ownership of an entire therapeutic area is not essential. The ability to influence, collaborate and help build a growing scientific offering is central to the role.