Distinguished Scientist, Group Head Biochemistry

Main Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and scientific oversight for biochemistry activities supporting multiple drug discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areas
- Serve as primary biochemistry expert and thought leader; guide assay design, target characterization, and mechanism of action studies
- Drive innovation in biochemical assay technologies and establish biochemistry standards/best practices within In Vitro Biology
- Represent biochemistry in cross-functional project teams and governance committees
- Use AI/ML and robotics to accelerate drug discovery cycle times

Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of biochemists; recruit/retain top talent
- Perform goal setting, feedback, and career development for direct reports
- Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning

Drug Discovery Execution
- Oversee design/development/execution of biochemical assays for target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality biochemistry data to support milestones and decisions
- Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology and others; troubleshoot complex biochemical challenges

Collaboration & Communication
- Partner with internal R&D and global stakeholders; build external collaborations
- Present findings/recommendations to senior leadership; contribute to publications/patents/conferences; participate in scientific advisory boards

About You
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field + 8+ years drug discovery experience
- 5+ years people management experience
- Proven track record from early research through candidate selection

Technical Skills
- Biochemical assay development/characterization across multiple target classes
- Enzyme kinetics, binding thermodynamics, and structure-activity relationships
- Hands-on fluorescence/luminescence/MS/SPR and other biophysical methods; assay automation/HTS/data analysis
- Expertise in protein degradation or molecular glues
- Understanding of target identification through clinical candidate nomination

Preferred Qualifications
- Novel modalities (protein degradation, molecular glues, covalent inhibitors, allosteric modulators)
- Therapeutic area expertise (immunology/oncology/rare diseases/neuroscience)
- High-impact publications; regulatory submissions experience; AI/ML in drug discovery; Level 4+ leadership; strong scientific network