At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in advancing AI-powered drug design for human health.
- Company: Isomorphic Labs, a pioneering company in medicinal chemistry and AI innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on inclusion and talent development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while championing AI transformation.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 10+ years of medicinal chemistry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel‑winning AlphaFold system. We are building an AI‑powered drug design engine that works across therapeutic areas and drug modalities, and we need a strategic leader to drive our medicinal chemistry team.
Your impact
As Head of Medicinal Chemistry, you will provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for the Medicinal Chemistry team, guiding projects through to clinical candidate nomination. You will oversee a growing team of ~25 medicinal chemists, mentor and develop talent, and collaborate with AI/ML scientists to refine our platform.
What you will do
- Provide portfolio guidance for the London Drug Design portfolio, acting as a senior advisor to Chemistry Leads.
- Direct line management and strategic oversight of the team, setting goals and fostering a high‑performance culture.
- Champion an AI‑first approach, ensuring chemists are empowered to use AI tools.
- Collaborate internally and with third‑party organisations to connect Chemistry, Computational Drug Design, Biology and Pre‑Clinical Development.
- Represent the company externally, managing CRO resources and monitoring KPIs.
- Continuously optimise workflows, challenge traditional medicinal chemistry dogma, and promote inclusion and professional development.
Skills and qualifications
- PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a related technical field, or equivalent industrial experience.
- Minimum 10+ years of medicinal chemistry experience within pharma/biotech/CRO.
- Proven track record of leading medicinal chemistry on drug discovery projects, from Hit Identification to Lead Optimisation/Candidate Nomination, with familiarity of DMPK optimisation.
- Passion for drug discovery and enthusiasm for AI/ML transformation.
- Line management, mentorship and scientific talent development experience.
- Excellent strategic thinking, problem‑solving and decision‑making in complex challenges.
- Experience managing CRO resources.
- Strong track record of scientific achievement, evidenced by publications, patents and presentations.
Nice to have
- Experience with fragment‑based drug design.
- Experience with structure‑based drug design.
- Track record of leading large teams and managing through other managers.
Employment Terms
Hybrid model: you will be required to work from the London office 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and one other day).
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, London employer: Isomorphic Labs Limited
Isomorphic Labs offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Medicinal Chemistry role, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on professional development and mentorship, employees are empowered to leverage cutting-edge AI tools in drug design, while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing human health through groundbreaking research and strategic leadership opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone at Isomorphic Labs.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on medicinal chemistry and AI/ML transformation. This is your moment to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Medicinal Chemistry role.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your achievements and connect with others in the field. Follow Isomorphic Labs and engage with their content to get noticed. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Isomorphic Labs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Medicinal Chemistry role. Highlight your experience in drug discovery and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at IsoLabs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for medicinal chemistry and AI/ML transformation. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t hold back on showcasing your scientific achievements! Include publications, patents, and any significant projects you've led. We love seeing how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isomorphic Labs Limited
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry principles. Be ready to discuss your past projects, especially those that led to successful drug candidates. This will show your depth of understanding and experience in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Medicinal Chemistry, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you fostered a high-performance culture and developed talent within your group.
✨Embrace the AI Revolution
Isomorphic Labs is all about an AI-first approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've integrated AI tools into your work. Share specific instances where AI has enhanced your drug design processes or decision-making, showcasing your enthusiasm for this transformation.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, including AI/ML scientists and external partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex ideas and collaborated to drive projects forward, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
