Director, Discovery Process Chemistry

5w1 month ago

MSD

West Point, US · Full-time · $173,200 – $272,600

About this role

Throughout the drug discovery lifecycle, sustained investment in innovative chemistry can inspire design and enable the synthesis of the best molecules. The Discovery Process Chemistry group works in partnership with Discovery teams to advance programs into uncharted chemical space and transition lead compounds into development.

The Director manages a portfolio of preclinical projects and a team of discovery process chemists at the West Point site. This role is part of the Discovery Process Chemistry leadership team, contributing to key scientific, strategic, and business decisions.

Critical tasks involve oversight of new route design, synthetic methodology development, and support of API campaigns for discovery and preclinical efforts. The Director ensures proactive resourcing planning, risk assessment strategies, drug substance supply/demand, and budget management.

The Director also serves on a discovery review committee for portfolio oversight and establishes external contacts with the local academic community. This role ensures rapid transition of compounds into development through close interaction with discovery and preclinical colleagues.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related biopharmaceutical science.
Five or more years’ experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development.
Demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups.
Track record and commitment to employee development and retention.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
Understanding of the interplay between medicinal chemistry SAR, molecule physical properties, and preclinical safety assessment workflows.
Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry, especially regarding early clinical development.
Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines and demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of preclinical projects and a team of discovery process chemists at the West Point site.
Oversee new route design, synthetic methodology development, and support of API campaigns for discovery and preclinical efforts.
Transfer appropriate technical information to support API preparation across internal sites and with external partners.
Ensure proactive resourcing planning, risk assessment strategies, drug substance supply/demand, and budget management.
Ensure successful and rapid transition of compounds from discovery research into development by closely interacting with discovery and preclinical colleagues.
Serve as a member of the core-team for a discovery review committee responsible for oversight of the discovery portfolio.
Establish, recommend, and maintain external contacts for West Point DPC, including interaction with the local academic community.
Recruit, appraise, and develop personnel under supervision, including recommendations for transfers, merit increases, promotions, and closures.