Director / Senior Director – Computational Chemistry
Location: Hoddesdon, UK and remote
The Opportunity
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. To learn more, visit is seeking an experienced Director / Senior Director of Computational Chemistry to provide scientific and strategic leadership across our Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) organisation.This is a rare opportunity for a senior computational chemistry leader to shape the future direction of a growing global function while influencing the delivery of multiple client drug discovery programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across multiple client-funded drug discovery programmes.
- Act as a senior scientific representative for Pharmaron with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners.
- Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead and develop computational chemistry capabilities across the organisation.
- Mentor, develop and support scientists across the Computational Chemistry function.
- Contribute to organisational planning, capability development and long-term scientific strategy.
- Support business development activities, proposals and client presentations.
- Promote the adoption of innovative computational approaches including AI/ML, structure-based design and emerging technologies.
- Work closely with senior leaders to support the future growth of the function.
About You
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, Molecular Modelling, Theoretical Chemistry or a related field.
- Significant industrial experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CRO environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading computational chemistry teams or functions.
- Proven ability to influence senior scientific stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Strong track record supporting drug discovery programmes from hit identification through candidate selection.
- Experience presenting scientific strategy to external partners and clients.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to balance scientific excellence with commercial awareness and business objectives.
Particularly Attractive Experience
- Experience within client-facing drug discovery organisations or CRO environments.
- Experience influencing strategic direction beyond individual project delivery.
- Experience operating at Director or Senior Director level.
- Track record of building new scientific capabilities and organisational functions.
- Leadership responsibility for team growth, succession planning and talent development.
Why Join Pharmaron?
- Opportunity to shape the future direction of Computational Chemistry within a growing global organisation.
- Significant visibility with senior leadership and external clients.
- Diverse portfolio of drug discovery programmes across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of the next generation of scientific leaders.
- Flexible working environment with regular collaboration across global teams.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director / Senior Director – Computational Chemistry in Hoddesdon employer: Pharmaron
Pharmaron is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals in the biopharmaceutical sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to impactful projects that align with regulatory standards. Located in a vibrant area, Pharmaron offers unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge resources and a supportive environment that values both individual contributions and teamwork.
