At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative computational chemistry projects and drive drug discovery strategies.
- Company: Join Pharmaron, a global leader in drug development and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery with cutting-edge technology and global collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD in Computational Chemistry and 10+ years in drug discovery required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: UK – Remote
About Pharmaron
Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the UK, US, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.
We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers.
Pharmaron is looking for a Senior Principal Scientist / Director – Computational Chemistry to lead on the design and optimisation of multi-modality ligands within our Integrated Drug Discovery programmes and help shape our Computational Sciences capability. This is a senior role requiring scientific excellence, and client engagement to drive integrated, multi-modality drug discovery programmes.
The Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group at Pharmaron is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for our client partners. The team comprises scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK and translational science. Combined with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities, we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding, through to IND filing.
Working closely with our partners, we define strategy, coordinate execution across teams and, with an AI enabled accelerated Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycle, support the progression of projects and innovative medicines towards the clinic.
The Role
- Lead Computational Sciences design strategy across a diverse portfolio of discovery projects from hit expansion through lead optimisation.
- Design, evaluate, and prioritize molecules for synthesis using a complete suite of computational tools.
- Provide scientific leadership to multidisciplinary project teams from hit-finding to candidate selection.
- Drive the application of modern CADD approaches (AI/ML, SBDD, cheminformatic) across small molecule and other modalities.
- Build and enhance computational infrastructure, tools and capabilities.
- Collaborate closely with global Computational Chemistry teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Build and strengthen client relationships, supporting business growth and long-term collaborations.
- Contribute to departmental strategy, innovation, capability development and business proposals.
- Represent Pharmaron externally, enhancing reputation within the Computational Sciences and broader drug discovery communities.
About You
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Molecular Modelling or related discipline.
- 10+ years’ experience in computational drug discovery (Pharma, Biotech or CRO).
- Proven track record delivering impact across drug discovery pipelines and key milestones.
- Expertise across CADD approaches, including SBDD, AI/ML and cheminformatics.
- Experience working across modalities (small molecules, peptides, biologics, emerging platforms).
- Strong publication and/or patent record.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and external collaborations.
- Excellent communication skills.
Key Skills
- Deep knowledge of computational chemistry in drug discovery.
- Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry, biology and DMPK integration.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder influencing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex programmes in parallel.
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into execution.
- Inspirational leader and team developer.
- Collaborative, adaptable and culturally aware.
- Results-driven with strong client focus.
- Passionate about innovation, continuous learning and scientific excellence.
Why Join Pharmaron?
- Lead cutting-edge computational science within a global CRO.
- Influence strategy, capability build and scientific direction.
- Work on diverse, high-impact discovery programmes.
- Collaborate with world-class global teams.
If you're ready to take a leadership role in advancing cheminformatics and computational chemistry, we’d love to hear from you.
Salary: Competitive
Frequency: Annual
Job Reference: ukpharmaron/TP/141/688
Contract Type: Permanent Contract
Closing Date: No expiry date
Job Category: Scientific (CADD)
Division: Drug Discovery
Location: Hoddesdon, United Kingdom
Posted on: 11 June, 2026
Senior Principal Scientist / Director – Computational Chemistry (IDD) in Hoddesdon employer: Pharmaron Biologics
Pharmaron is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in Hoddesdon, where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and grow alongside the company. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to teamwork, staff can thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values professionalism and integrity. The opportunity for career advancement and funding for training programmes makes Pharmaron an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the pharmaceutical R&D sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Scientist / Director – Computational Chemistry (IDD) in Hoddesdon
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Pharmaron Biologics, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Pharmaron Biologics. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal Scientist / Director – Computational Chemistry (IDD) in Hoddesdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Pharmaron Biologics. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Pharmaron Biologics. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pharmaron Biologics
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Pharmaron Biologics. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Pharmaron Biologics to drive research projects forward.
