Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-impact team in computational drug discovery using AI and machine learning.
- Company: Pioneering tech provider transforming pharmaceutical R&D with innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £200,000, remote work, wellness budget, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of drug discovery while collaborating with top pharma leaders.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 8+ years of industry experience in computational drug discovery.
- Other info: Join a dynamic, remote-first environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 144000 - 240000 £ per year.
Our client is a pioneering technology provider that is reshaping how AI is applied within pharmaceutical R&D. They provide a neutral, production-grade infrastructure that enables global pharmaceutical companies to collaborate securely on large-scale AI models without ever sharing their proprietary data. By leveraging federated computing, they power multi-partner data networks across small molecules, antibodies, and protein folding. Unlike traditional biotech firms, they do not develop their own drug assets; instead, they empower their partners' computational teams to accelerate their own discovery programmes.
We are seeking a Director of Computational Drug Discovery to build and lead a high-impact team of application scientists. This is a hands-on, externally facing leadership role requiring deep scientific credibility and the ability to engage directly with senior stakeholders at the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. You will bridge the gap between cutting-edge Machine Learning and real-world drug discovery, ensuring our models and workflows deliver measurable value in practical industrial settings.
Responsibilities:
- Own the scientific direction across various modalities and data types, defining which drug discovery problems and workflows the platform prioritises.
- Act as a peer-level counterpart to pharma R&D leaders, providing authoritative guidance grounded in real-world discovery experience to help get new collaborations over the line.
- Lead an established core team including senior medicinal chemists, machine learning engineers and oversee the recruitment of additional members over the next 6–9 months.
- Partner with internal Product and ML/AI teams to translate customer needs into clear model requirements and enterprise-grade software solutions.
- Represent the organisation within the scientific ecosystem through publications, talks, and direct engagement with the community.
Requirements for the role:
- PhD in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, computational drug discovery, or a closely related field.
- 8+ years of post-PhD industry experience in computational drug discovery, with a proven impact on programmes from hit finding through to lead optimisation.
- Deep, practical knowledge of structure-based and ligand-based design, ADMET modelling, and the integration of biophysical data.
- Exceptional understanding of modern ML approaches and the judgement to know where these technologies materially improve outcomes.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, venture-backed, remote-first environment.
- A clear drive to enable customer discovery programmes rather than running internal pipelines.
- Strong understanding of Co-Folding and OpenFold3.
What can they offer you?
- A high-influence role working closely with the founders to shape company strategy.
- Up to 200,000 Euros or GBP depending on location salary.
- Remote-first working with a dedicated work-from-home budget and co-working stipend.
- Comprehensive suite of benefits, including a wellbeing budget and mental health support.
- Generous holiday allowance.
If you think you would be a good fit, drop over your CV and we will give you a call.
Director of Computational Drug Discovery, AI/Machine Learning | Pharma/BioTech | Series A - B2B[...] in Leigh employer: Owen Thomas | Pending B Corp™
Contact Detail:
Owen Thomas | Pending B Corp™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Computational Drug Discovery, AI/Machine Learning | Pharma/BioTech | Series A - B2B[...] in Leigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at conferences. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects and successes in computational drug discovery. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with potential employers. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing that Director role in AI/Machine Learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Computational Drug Discovery, AI/Machine Learning | Pharma/BioTech | Series A - B2B[...] in Leigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in computational drug discovery and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI in pharma and how your skills can help us bridge the gap between machine learning and drug discovery. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Quantify your impact where possible, like how you improved workflows or led successful projects. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made a difference 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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Owen Thomas | Pending B Corp™
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of computational drug discovery and AI/Machine Learning. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies, like structure-based design and ADMET modelling, as well as how they apply to real-world scenarios. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also translate it into practice.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves direct engagement with senior stakeholders in pharma R&D, prepare to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Think about examples where you've successfully collaborated with external partners or led teams, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to lead a high-impact team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've built and managed teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in recruiting and mentoring talent, as well as how you’ve fostered collaboration among diverse groups.
✨Stay Current with Trends
The field of AI in drug discovery is rapidly evolving. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, such as Co-Folding and OpenFold3. Being able to discuss these advancements and their implications for the industry will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate who’s passionate about the field.
