Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Role Summary

Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join the leadership team. Provides strategic guidance and oversight to medicinal chemistry efforts, driving drug discovery initiatives forward and aligning with the company’s goals. Oversees external programs at CROs, managing design, execution, and progression of medicinal chemistry projects conducted at these organizations. Location: Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Create business development opportunities that meet the strategic scientific, therapeutic, and commercial needs of the organization or specific Therapeutic Area (TA).
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the medicinal chemistry department, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Oversee the design, execution, and management of medicinal chemistry projects conducted exclusively at CROs, ensuring timely progress and high-quality outcomes.
• Mentor and develop a team of internal chemists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and clinical development, to advance drug candidates from discovery through development.
• Drive innovation in medicinal chemistry through the integration of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, industry collaborators, and contract research organizations.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related discipline with 15+ years of experience in small molecule projects; proven track record of leading successful drug discovery programs, preferably in large pharma.
• Required: Strong leadership and managerial skills with experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Required: Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, drug design, and optimization processes.
• Required: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex scientific concepts.
• Required: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive and innovative approach to challenges.
• Required: Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Required: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Preferred: Experience in a leadership role within a large pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.
• Preferred: Track record of leading projects that are completely outsourced.
• Preferred: Publications in medicinal chemistry or related fields.
• Preferred: Patent filings and intellectual property management experience.
• Preferred: Established network within the scientific and pharmaceutical community.

Education

• PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related discipline; 15+ years of experience in small molecule projects.

Skills

• Leadership
• Technical Expertise in medicinal chemistry, drug design, and optimization
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Collaboration
• Adaptability