Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge

Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead drug discovery programs and mentor a diverse team of scientists.
  • Company: Fast-growing biotech company focused on innovative R&D.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Directly influence strategy and work with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 10+ years in drug discovery.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for significant impact.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

As Director of Drug Discovery, you will drive scientific strategy and execution across multiple therapeutic programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists spanning biology, pharmacology, chemistry, and translational research, and play a key role in building our discovery engine.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee early-stage discovery programs from concept to IND-enabling studies.
  • Define scientific vision and priorities in alignment with company strategy.
  • Manage and mentor teams across biology, assay development, pharmacology, and chemistry.
  • Evaluate and integrate new technologies (e.g., AI, high-throughput screening, single-cell omics, electrophysiology, etc.) to enhance discovery pipelines.
  • Collaborate with external partners, CROs, and academic collaborators.
  • Present progress and strategy to executive leadership, board members, and investors.

About You

  • PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in drug discovery, with a proven track record of moving programs from target validation to preclinical development.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with experience managing diverse scientific teams.
  • Deep understanding of translational science and project prioritization in a biotech or pharma setting.
  • Demonstrated success in building pipelines and delivering high-quality candidates.

Why Join Us

  • Lead a world-class discovery team in a fast-growing biotech.
  • Directly influence company strategy and R&D innovation.
  • Work with cutting-edge tools and technologies in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
  • Competitive compensation, stock options, and comprehensive benefits.

Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge employer: S3 Science Recruitment

Join us as the Director of Drug Discovery and lead a world-class team in a dynamic biotech environment where your expertise will directly shape our scientific strategy and innovation. We offer competitive compensation, stock options, and comprehensive benefits, all within a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth and cutting-edge research. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute to meaningful advancements in drug discovery.
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Contact Detail:

S3 Science Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and recent advancements. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to their scientific vision and strategy.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams and driven projects forward. We want to see how you can inspire and mentor others in a fast-paced environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge

Scientific Strategy Development
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Drug Discovery Expertise
Pharmacology Knowledge
Molecular Biology Understanding
Translational Research Experience
Project Prioritisation
Collaboration with External Partners
Communication Skills
Technology Integration (AI, high-throughput screening, single-cell omics, electrophysiology)
Presentation Skills
Pipeline Development
Mentoring and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Drug Discovery role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to drive scientific strategy.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for drug discovery and how your background in pharmacology or molecular biology makes you an ideal candidate to lead our multidisciplinary team.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully moved programs from target validation to preclinical development, and how you've integrated new technologies into your work.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at S3 Science Recruitment

✨Know Your Science

As a Director of Drug Discovery, you need to showcase your deep understanding of pharmacology and molecular biology. Brush up on the latest advancements in drug discovery and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing diverse scientific teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and mentor effectively.

✨Align with Company Strategy

Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and current projects. Be prepared to discuss how your scientific vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to building their discovery engine.

✨Engage with Technology

Since the role involves evaluating new technologies, come equipped with insights on how you've integrated tools like AI or high-throughput screening into your work. Discussing specific examples will show your forward-thinking approach and adaptability.

Director of Drug Discovery in Cambridge
S3 Science Recruitment
Location: Cambridge

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