Head of DMPK

Your work will change lives. Including your own. At Recursion we are redefining drug discovery by uniting industrial‑scale data generation with sophisticated computational models. We are seeking a visionary Head of DMPK to join our leadership team. You will lead the DMPK strategy to transition our internal and partnered programs from early hit‑identification through to IND‑enabling studies and early clinical development. But this is not a traditional DMPK role. You will be a key architect in an environment that is pushing the boundaries of "predict more, test less" – bridging the gap between high‑throughput, experimentally derived data generation and predictive modeling.

Your Impact

• Strategic Leadership. Define and execute the overarching DMPK strategy for a diverse therapeutic area portfolio, primarily focused on small molecules with the agility to support emerging modalities (peptides, ADCs, proximity‑inducing therapeutics).
• Scientific Rigor and Project Acceleration. Ensure high degree of scientific excellence as programs move from early discovery into development ensuring robust human dose projections, DDI assessments, and supporting translational PK/PD strategies.
• Tech‑Forward Collaboration. Partner with Data Science and ML teams to refine our predictive ADME models, transforming how we prioritise compounds and de‑risk the portfolio.
• External Partnerships. Act as a strategic subject matter expert for high‑stakes external partnerships by collaborating with internal scientific leaders and external counterparts with transparency and technical rigor.
• Talent Development. Develop and lead a high‑performing team. You won't just manage – you will amplify the talents of your team, fostering an environment of active learning and rapid adaptation.
• Cross‑Functional Synergy. A critical component of multidisciplinary project teams. A critical partner to Toxicology, Translation and Design ensuring that DMPK insights are integrated into the earliest stages of target validation and lead optimization.

Who You Are

• The Academic Foundation: You hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Metabolism, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• The Industry Veteran: You have a proven track record of moving multiple programs from Discovery into Development (typically 15+ years) in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• The Nimble Mindset: You are comfortable working at the intersection of biology and technology. You are cautiously optimistic that data‑driven, computational approaches are the future of drug discovery.
• The Modality Expert: Deep expertise in small molecule DMPK is essential. Experience with related modalities (ADCs, proximity‑inducing or peptides) is a distinct advantage.
• The Regulatory Navigator: You are intimately familiar with IND submission requirements and have a history of successfully navigating regulatory interactions.
• The Collaborative Leader: You value "One Team" over silos. You are known for strong, transparent working relationships and the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Expertise in in vitro and in vivo ADME as well as contemporary PK/PD modeling. Extending to the properties and data sets commensurate with CNS exposure (or conversely restricting exposure to peripheral tissues).
• Experience with human PK and efficacious dose prediction.
• Proficiency in managing CROs to ensure high‑quality data and timely delivery.
• Knowledge of biotransformation and metabolic pathways.
• Extensive experience in working with external collaborators in all shapes and forms (CROs, SMEs, Large Pharma).

Working Location & Compensation

This is an office‑based, hybrid position at a London, England office. Employees are expected to work in the office at least 50% of the time. Estimated annual base range for this role is £166,500 to £208,100. You will also be eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

The Values We Hope You Share

• We act boldly with integrity. We are unconstrained in our thinking, take calculated risks, and push boundaries, but never at the expense of ethics, science, or trust.
• We care deeply and engage directly. Caring means holding a deep sense of responsibility and respect – showing up, speaking honestly, and taking action.
• We learn actively and adapt rapidly. Progress comes from doing. We experiment, test, and refine, embracing iteration over perfection.
• We move with urgency because patients are waiting. Speed isn’t about rushing but about moving the needle every day.
• We take ownership and accountability. Through ownership and accountability, we enable trust and autonomy—leaders take accountability for decisive action, and teams own outcomes together.
• We are One Recursion. True cross‑functional collaboration is about trust, clarity, humility, and impact. Through sharing, we can be greater than the sum of our individual capabilities.

Recursion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, local, or provincial human rights legislation.