Vice President Discovery; m​/w​/d

DISCO Pharmaceuticals is an emerging biotechnology company with operations in Cologne, Germany, and Schlieren, Switzerland. We leverage a proprietary mass spectrometry-based technology platform to decode the molecular architecture of the cancer cell surface. By integrating expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and computational analytics, we identify functionally relevant protein communities and novel therapeutic targets. Our mission is to develop innovative therapies for diseases with high unmet medical need, including cancer, and to translate new biological insights into meaningful clinical applications.

We are seeking an experienced VP Discovery to provide leadership to the advancement of our innovative pipeline. This individual will play a critical role in driving portfolio execution and guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver transformative therapies for patients with cancer. As a key member of the scientific leadership, you will oversee a team and the portfolio of multispecific and logic-gated TCE/ADC programs from discovery to DC nomination, while partnering closely with senior leadership to shape portfolio strategy, governance, and resource allocation.

The role is based in Schlieren (ZH), Switzerland, and involves occasional business travel.

• Leading and driving DISCO’s discovery portfolio and scientific teams
  , with responsibility for portfolio execution, scientific strategy, prioritization, and delivery of key milestones across multispecific and logic-gated TCE/ADC programs.
• Providing scientific and organizational leadership to multidisciplinary project teams
  , fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while supporting the development of future scientific leaders.
• Partnering closely with DISCO’s executive leadership team to shape and execute scientific and portfolio strategy
  , ensuring alignment between corporate goals, resource allocation, and program progression.
• Providing strategic guidance to Research Project Teams and Project Leads
  , supporting data-driven decision making, milestone planning, risk management, and portfolio prioritization.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams
  , including Antibody Engineering, Technology and Comp Bio, Translational Sciences, CMC, and Early Development functions
  , ensuring seamless advancement of programs across the organization.
• Communicating portfolio progress, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership
  , providing clear recommendations to support strategic decision-making and portfolio management.
• Supporting business development and external innovation activities
  , including scientific due diligence, strategic collaborations, partnership opportunities, and evaluation of emerging technologies.
• Representing DISCO externally
  through scientific collaborations, conference participation, publications, and interactions with key opinion leaders and potential partners.

You hold a PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline. In addition, you bring more than 14 years of relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug discovery and development, including senior scientific and organizational leadership responsibilities. You have a proven track record of advancing innovative oncology programs from discovery through development candidate nomination and possess deep expertise in multispecific biologics and T-cell engager platforms.

You are passionate about translating groundbreaking science into innovative therapies that address significant unmet medical needs.

We expect competencies in the following areas:

• Proven track record of leading multiple preclinical drug discovery programs
  , including target validation, lead…