Director of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department

Senior Principal Scientist / Discovery Project Leader (Small Molecule)

We are seeking a highly accomplished and driven Senior Principal Scientist to lead our small molecule drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will serve as the Project Leader, responsible for driving projects from target validation through to the nomination of a Preclinical Candidate Compound (PCC). This role requires a deep understanding of modern drug discovery modalities and the ability to navigate complex biological pathways to deliver transformative medicines.

• End-to-End Project Leadership: Independently lead early-stage discovery projects, defining strategic roadmaps, setting milestones, and managing resources to ensure successful progression to PCC nomination.
• Scientific Strategy & Execution: Design and implement hit identification and lead optimization strategies. Translate complex biological data into actionable chemistry plans and establish robust Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR).
• Modality Expertise Application: Spearhead the application of advanced therapeutic modalities, including PROTACs
  , Molecular Glues
  , Covalent Inhibitors
  , allosteric inhibitors, and peptides, to address challenging and traditionally undruggable targets.
• Cross-Functional Team Management: Act as the scientific and operational hub, leading cross-functional teams (Chemistry, Biology, DMPK, Toxicology, Formulation) to ensure seamless collaboration and data integration.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Lead project governance meetings, evaluate progress against objectives, make critical Go/No-Go decisions, and proactively manage project risks.
• External Representation: Represent the company at international scientific conferences and evaluate potential external collaborations or asset acquisitions.

1.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

2. Experience (Strict Requirements):

• 7+ years of post-Ph.D. industry experience in internal (FTE-based) small molecule drug discovery
  .
• Note:
  
  Experience solely in FTE/FFS service models, Process Chemistry (CMC/manufacturing), or technical improvement projects will not count toward this 7-year requirement.
• Demonstrated track record of leading projects through the full cycle from Target  
  PCC nomination
  . Candidates must have been a core decision-maker in at least one successfully nominated program.

3. Technical Expertise (Highly Preferred):

• Modalities: Proven hands-on experience in multiple of the following:
• Molecular Glues
• Covalent Inhibitors
• Expertise in the first three is most valued.
• Therapeutic Areas: Direct project experience in multiple of the following areas:
• Cardiovascular
• Metabolic
• Experience in the first three areas is most valued.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative team culture.
• Fluency in English for reading, writing, and presentation.

• A highly competitive compensation package including salary and equity options.
• The opportunity to work on first-in-class and best-in-class targets with cutting-edge technology platforms.
• A flat organizational structure where your ideas directly impact the company’s pipeline.
• State-of-the-art research facilities and a supportive scientific environment