At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in AI-powered drug design and mentor future talent.
- Company: Isomorphic Labs, pioneering health advancements with innovative technology.
- 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 drug discovery while embracing cutting-edge AI technologies.
- 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 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 dynamic 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their AI-driven approach and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Medicinal Chemistry role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for leading a medicinal chemistry team and how you can drive innovation. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that interview!
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 drug discovery and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any AI/ML projects you've been involved in!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about drug design and how your background aligns with our mission at Isomorphic Labs. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Whether it’s successful projects or innovative strategies you’ve implemented, we want to see 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 process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to showcase your skills directly to our team!
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 involved drug discovery from Hit Identification to Candidate Nomination.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Medicinal Chemistry, you'll need to demonstrate your experience in leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored talent, set strategic goals, and fostered a high-performance culture in your previous roles.
✨Embrace the AI Revolution
Since the role champions an AI-first approach, be ready to discuss how you've integrated AI tools into your work. Share specific instances where AI/ML has enhanced your drug design processes or decision-making.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Collaboration is key in this role, so think about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Be ready to talk about your experiences connecting chemistry with computational drug design and other disciplines, as well as managing CRO resources.
