Head of Small Molecule Discovery

Role Summary

Head of Small Molecule Discovery. Lead efforts in identifying and developing novel small molecule therapeutics for animal health. Drive strategic direction, scientific excellence, and operational execution of small molecule discovery programs from target validation through candidate selection. Inspire and mentor a high-performing team with a deep understanding of diverse discovery technologies and a proven track record in drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and scientific oversight for all small molecule drug discovery programs, ensuring alignment with Elanco's R&D pipeline goals.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of medicinal chemists and discovery scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor.
• Drive the implementation and application of cutting-edge discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), AI/ML approaches, and advanced medicinal chemistry techniques.
• Oversee the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules, guiding hit identification, lead generation, and lead optimization strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with biology, pharmacology, ADME, toxicology, and research/development teams to ensure seamless progression of discovery candidates.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and external collaboration opportunities to enhance small molecule discovery capabilities and pipeline.
• Ensure robust data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making throughout the discovery process.
• Represent Elanco's small molecule discovery efforts internally and externally, including presentations at scientific conferences and interactions with key opinion leaders.
• Contribute to the overall discovery strategy and portfolio management, providing expert insights into small molecule opportunities and challenges.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Required: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in small molecule drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or animal health industry, with a proven track record of advancing compounds through discovery phases.
• Required: Demonstrated expertise with DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), AI/ML for compound design and data analysis, and strong foundation in medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and SAR optimization.
• Required: Proven leadership experience, including managing, mentoring, and developing scientific teams, with excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Preferred: Experience in the animal health sector.
• Preferred: Track record of progressing compounds into preclinical or clinical development.
• Preferred: Experience managing external research collaborations (CROs, academic partnerships).
• Preferred: Strong publication record and/or patent contributions in small molecule drug discovery.

Education

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Minimal
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment