At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in advancing AI-powered drug design and mentor future talent.
- Company: Isomorphic Labs, a pioneering company transforming drug discovery with AI.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on inclusion and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving innovative drug design projects.
- 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 London employer: Isomorphic Labs Limited
Isomorphic Labs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets collaboration. As the Head of Medicinal Chemistry, you will lead a talented team in advancing drug design through AI, with ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Our commitment to a high-performance culture, combined with a hybrid work model, ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a significant impact on human health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, London London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨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 in drug design. Let them see your passion and knowledge shine through.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your achievements and connect with industry leaders. Follow Isomorphic Labs and engage with their content to stay on their radar. You never know who might notice you!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows your genuine interest in the role and gives us a chance to see your application first-hand. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design, London London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Medicinal Chemistry role. Highlight your relevant experience in medicinal chemistry, especially any leadership roles and projects that align with our AI-powered drug design focus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about drug discovery and how your background fits with our mission at Isomorphic Labs. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for AI/ML transformation in medicinal chemistry!
Showcase Your Achievements:We love seeing a strong track record! Include details about your publications, patents, and any significant contributions to drug discovery projects. This will help us understand your impact in the field.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
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 prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that led to successful drug discovery outcomes. This will show your depth of understanding and experience.
✨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 looking for someone who champions an AI-first approach. Familiarise yourself with AI tools used in drug design and be ready to discuss how you've integrated technology into your work. Highlight any experiences where you've collaborated with AI/ML scientists.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about portfolio guidance and strategic oversight. Think about how you've approached complex challenges in previous roles and be ready to share your strategic thinking process. This will demonstrate your capability to drive projects from Hit Identification to Candidate Nomination.
