VP, Head of Drug Discovery

The Opportunity : We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader to oversee our integrated Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, and Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) organizations. This individual will be responsible for driving the discovery and optimization of transformative small molecule therapeutics by building a highly collaborative, data-driven discovery engine that combines deep scientific expertise with modern computational approaches. The successful candidate will be a recognized leader in small molecule drug discovery with a proven track record of advancing programs from hit identification through IND filing. They will be a key member of research leadership, fostering an environment where all disciplines work as a unified team to rapidly test hypotheses, learn from experimental data, and deliver differentiated medicines. This role is ideal for a leader who is energized by solving complex scientific problems, embracing emerging technologies, and building high-performing scientific organizations within a fast-paced biotechnology environment. We believe breakthrough medicines emerge from the seamless integration of human creativity, rigorous experimentation, and advanced computational science . Our discovery strategy combines hypothesis-driven biology, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, structural biology, and DMPK to iteratively design, test, and refine molecules based on quantitative experimental evidence. By coupling deep scientific expertise with state-of-the-art computational technologies, we aim to accelerate learning, improve decision quality, and deliver differentiated therapies for patients with serious diseases. Your Role: Scientific Leadership • Lead and integrate the Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, and DMPK organizations to create a highly effective, collaborative drug discovery engine. • Define and execute scientific strategies that enable rapid progression from target validation to development candidate nomination. • Champion hypothesis-driven drug discovery by integrating predictive computational methods and medicinal chemistry. • Ensure that molecular design decisions are informed by a comprehensive understanding of potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, ADME, safety, developability, and translational considerations. • Drive scientific excellence through rigorous data analysis, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision making. • Ensure efficiency and optimal resource utilization through integration of emerging technologies when appropriate Organizational Leadership • Build strong partnerships across biology, biomolecular sciences, translational medicine, and project leadership. • Guide portfolio prioritization and resource allocation. • Create an environment where multidisciplinary teams operate with shared objectives and transparent communication. • Remove organizational barriers that limit collaboration and ensure efficient decision-making across discovery functions. • Work across functions to ensure successful project transitions into development Innovation • Drive adoption of technologies including AI/ML-enabled molecular design, structure-based drug design, molecular simulations, free-energy calculations, generative chemistry, predictive ADME models, cheminformatics, and high throughput experimentation. • Promote rigorous evaluation of emerging technologies while maintaining strong emphasis on experimental validation. • Ensure computational methods accelerate discovery through measurable scientific impact rather than technology adoption alone. Your Background: • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Computational Chemistry. • 15+ years of progressively increasing leadership responsibility in bi