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, inspiring and mentoring a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and scientific oversight for all small molecule drug discovery programs, ensuring alignment with 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 progression of discovery candidates.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and external collaboration opportunities to enhance capabilities and pipeline.
• Ensure robust data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making throughout the discovery process.
• Represent the small molecule discovery efforts internally and externally, including presentations at scientific conferences and interactions with key opinion leaders.
• Contribute to 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 related scientific discipline.
• Required: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in small molecule drug discovery within pharmaceutical or animal health industries, with a track record of advancing compounds through discovery phases.
• Required: Expertise with modern discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) design, synthesis, and screening; AI/ML for compound design and data analysis; strong background in medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and SAR optimization.
• Required: Proven leadership experience managing and developing scientific teams; excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• 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: Publication record and/or patent contributions in small molecule drug discovery.

Education

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field.

Location

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

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Minimal