Director Medicinal Chemistry

The organisation

For a scientific drug discovery organisation near Leuven, we are seeking an industry proven and versatile Drug Discovery project leader for the position of Director Medicinal Chemistry. This organisation distinguishes by its strong network in the scientific domain across Europe. Their flat hierarchical structure empowers each other to discover high potential projects, and their expertise allows these projects to develop from the base idea to the pre-clinical phase.

The position

You will be leading Lead Chemists, while progressing late-stage drug discovery projects from hit ID to delivering pre-clinical candidates, in the small molecules area. Together with the Executive Director Medicinal Chemistry you will be crucial in defining the strategy of the organisation and developing the department. You start at providing input for go/no-go decisions, are identifying and evaluating new target opportunities and are working towards including novel therapeutics in the pipeline. Your energetic and inspirational character allows you to be diplomatic and persuasive in communication both industry and academic focused. Furthermore, your role is broad; providing insight, leadership, and management to drug discovery efforts. You build, select, and deliver new projects and seek projects and alliances with suitable partners. Also, you set up and manage multiple projects. You are responsible for data review, analysis, and interpretation.

Candidate profile

You, at least, have 10 years of proven industry experience in the late discovery of novel therapeutics, especially small molecules. Herein you have a track record of acting as project lead advancing drug discovery projects from the hit ID state up until the delivered pre-clinical candidates.
 
Moreover, for a strong fit you bring along the following:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy or similar;
• In-depth scientific knowledge and understanding of medicinal chemistry and critical issues in drug discovery and its development;
• Very good understanding of ADMET/PK parameter;
• Familiarity with in-vivo pharmacology aspects;
• Demonstrated convincing people management skills;
• Innovative mindset, with strong sense of practical execution willingness;
• Ability to prioritise and and clearly convey research objectives;
• Interpersonal skills which allow you to inspire your environment, while being diplomatic and critical;
• Fluently and diplomatic in English.

The offer

As the Director Medicinal Chemistry you will receive freedom in your activities and to strategise the future pipeline of the organisation while actively contribute to the success of the organisation by working on high potential drug projects and bringing those projects to the next stage in their development. Doing this in a team of skilled professionals you will be a valued member of a flat-structured and scientific led organisation. Besides, the organisation offers:

• Base salary tailored to experience;
• A bonus - personal performance, a bonus - company performance;
• Full hospital insurance, and group insurance;
• 28 holidays + seniority;
• Meal vouchers: EUR 7 p/d
• Homework allowance, and hardware.

Interested?

You can apply for this position by using the link below. For more information please contact Sander Westerhout, +31 6 51 66 69 96.