Director, Discovery Process Chemistry

Director, Discovery Process Chemistry, West Point, PA

Throughout the drug discovery lifecycle, sustained investment in innovative chemistry can inspire design and enable the synthesis of the best molecules. In this context, the Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group works in partnership with Discovery teams to advance programs into uncharted chemical space and subsequently transition lead compounds into development.

• Report to the Executive Director, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SM PR&D) in the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization.
• Directly supervise approximately 7-10 discovery process chemists and manage recruiting, appraisal, development, and personnel decisions (transfers, merit increases, promotions, closures).
• Oversee new route design, synthetic methodology development, and support API campaigns for discovery and preclinical efforts; transfer technical information to support the preparation of API across internal sites and in collaboration with external partners.
• Plan resources proactively, assess risks, manage drug substance supply/demand, and maintain budgets.
• Ensure the successful and rapid transition of compounds from discovery research into development through close interaction with discovery and preclinical colleagues.
• Serve on the core-team for a discovery review committee overseeing the discovery portfolio in a therapeutic area, influencing approval of potential candidates for preclinical development.
• Establish, recommend, and maintain external contacts for West Point DPC, interacting with the local academic community.

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related biopharmaceutical science with five (5) or more years’ experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development within the industry.

• Demonstrated ability in leading cross‑functional groups.
• Track record and commitment to employee development and retention.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Understanding of the interplay between medicinal chemistry SAR, molecule physical properties, and preclinical safety assessment workflows.
• Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry, especially regarding early clinical development.
• Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines.
• Ability to select and prioritize a portfolio of projects.
• Internationally recognized in pharmaceutical development with a record of peer‑reviewed publications and external research presentations.

• Bioanalytical Analysis, Catalysis, Chemical Biology, Creativity, Cross‑Cultural Awareness, Data Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Mentoring Staff, People Leadership, Peptide Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Professional Networking, Project Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Synthetic Chemistry.

Salary range: $ – $. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits, retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC website.