At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in pioneering AI-driven drug design and medicinal chemistry.
- Company: Join Isomorphic Labs, a cutting-edge biotech firm transforming healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while mentoring the next generation of scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 10+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry 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 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 and inclusion ensures that every employee can thrive while making a meaningful impact on human health.
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. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge. Share insights from your experience in medicinal chemistry and how you’ve tackled challenges in drug design. This will help you stand out as a strategic leader.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage! Share articles, comment on relevant posts, and connect with professionals in the field. It’s a great way to keep your name in the mix and show your passion for the industry.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, as it shows your genuine interest in joining our team at Isomorphic Labs. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
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 reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership in medicinal chemistry and any relevant AI/ML projects you've been involved in. We want to see how you can drive our team forward!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drug discovery and how your experience aligns with our mission at Isomorphic Labs. Don’t forget to mention your strategic vision for leading a team of chemists.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Include metrics or outcomes from your previous roles that demonstrate your impact in medicinal chemistry and team leadership. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Isomorphic Labs!
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 passion for 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
Since the role involves championing an AI-first approach, be ready 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 forward-thinking mindset.
✨Connect the Dots
Highlight your experience collaborating with various departments and external organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively connected chemistry with computational drug design and biology, as well as how you've managed CRO resources to achieve project goals.
