VP Medicinal Chemistry

6d6 days ago

AstraZeneca

SE · Full-time · $350,000 – $550,000

About this role

The VP Medicinal Chemistry develops a long-term vision and strategy for Chemistry and molecule discovery broadly, contributing to disease area strategies within therapy areas. Working as part of a global leadership team, accountable for the future of the Medicinal Chemistry capability. Builds trusting relationships with senior scientific colleagues internally and externally.

Leads a department of Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemists delivering deep technical expertise for optimising novel small molecule leads across Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, Respiratory and Immunology portfolios. Delivers portfolio of small molecule, PROTAC, molecular glue and drug-conjugate projects to candidate selection. Applies Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods in molecule discovery, design and optimisation.

Provides scientific and people leadership to over 120 scientists across AstraZeneca sites and manages over 100 synthetic chemistry roles at CRO partners. Develops future resourcing strategy for the department. Represents department on cross-organisational teams, therapy area leadership teams and matrix governance committees.

Drives innovation and scientific excellence through novel technologies including AI, external collaborations, publications and conference presentations. Builds high performing team environment with full staff engagement and continuous improvement. Manages headcount allocation, budgets and ensures high standards for SHE and governance compliance.

Requirements

PhD/Post-doc in Chemistry discipline with >20 years’ experience in a drug discovery environment
Track record of leading large groups in highly matrixed science and technology based organisations and evidence of ability to shape groups to the needs of the business
Track record of successfully delivering small molecule candidate drugs into the clinic
Proven scientific track record of innovation and application of Artificial Intelligence methods in molecule discovery
Proven ability to create new research strategies to drive organisational success
Significant experience in the leadership of drug discovery projects

Responsibilities

Deliver a portfolio of small molecule, PROTAC, molecular glue and drug-conjugate projects to candidate selection
Provide scientific and people leadership of a department of >120 scientists across AstraZeneca sites in Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemistry
Manage >100 synthetic chemistry roles at CRO partners and develop future resourcing strategy
Identify and implement novel Medicinal, Synthetic and Computational Chemistry technologies, including Artificial Intelligence methods
Represent department on cross-organisational teams, therapy area leadership teams and matrix governance committees
Drive innovation, scientific excellence and external visibility through internal development, external collaborations, publications and conference presentations
Build and maintain a high performing team environment with full engagement and commitment to continuous improvement
Manage headcount allocation, expense, capital and collaboration budgets to maximize impact and ensure SHE and governance compliance