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- Tasks: Lead and scale discovery biology in a fast-paced biotech environment.
- Company: High-growth biotech firm based in London, focused on neuroscience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, and long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of neuroscience drug discovery and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience and 10+ years in drug discovery biology.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with access to London's biotech ecosystem.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Discovery Biology (Neuroscience) to build, lead, and scale discovery biology capabilities within a high-growth biotech environment based in London. This role will be accountable for biological strategy across neuroscience programmes, from target identification through lead nomination, working closely with chemistry, computational, and translational teams to advance a differentiated CNS-focused pipeline.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a scientifically rigorous leader with deep neuroscience expertise who thrives in small, fast-moving organisations and can translate complex biology into high-quality drug discovery programmes.
Key Responsibilities- Scientific Leadership & Neuroscience Strategy
- Define and own the discovery biology strategy for neuroscience programmes, aligned with company objectives and pipeline priorities.
- Lead target identification, validation, and mechanism-of-action studies across CNS indications (e.g. neurodegeneration, neuropsychiatry, neuroinflammation, rare neurological disease).
- Ensure scientific excellence, data quality, and translational relevance across all discovery biology activities.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of discovery biologists with neuroscience expertise.
- Foster a collaborative, high-accountability culture across biology, chemistry, computational, and translational functions.
- Lead recruitment of senior and junior scientists as the organisation scales.
- Drug Discovery Execution
- Oversee development and optimisation of cell-based, biochemical, and phenotypic neuroscience assays, including iPSC-derived neuronal systems where relevant.
- Partner closely with Medicinal Chemistry to drive hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimisation decisions.
- Guide experimental design, data interpretation, and progression criteria at key project milestones.
- Translational & Preclinical Interface
- Work closely with Translational, In Vivo, and DMPK teams to ensure strong biology-to-clinic alignment.
- Provide scientific oversight of in vivo CNS models, biomarker strategy, and PK/PD relationships.
- Support IND-enabling biology packages and external CRO activities.
- Cross-Functional & External Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Computational Biology, Data Science, and Chemistry teams, including AI-enabled discovery efforts.
- Manage relationships with CROs, academic collaborators, and key opinion leaders in neuroscience.
- Contribute to portfolio reviews, project governance, and go/no-go decisions.
- Executive, Investor & Partner Engagement
- Present neuroscience strategy, programme data, and risk assessments to the Executive Team, Board, and investors.
- Support partnering discussions, due diligence activities, and grant or consortium applications.
- Act as a scientific ambassador within the London and UK neuroscience and biotech ecosystem.
- PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, or a closely related life sciences discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in drug discovery biology, with a strong focus on CNS/neuroscience programmes.
- Demonstrated success leading biology programmes from target discovery through lead nomination.
- Proven people leadership experience, including building and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Deep understanding of CNS-relevant assay systems, disease biology, and translational challenges.
- Experience working in matrixed, cross-functional discovery teams.
- Experience in early-stage, venture-backed, or platform biotech environments.
- Track record in one or more CNS therapeutic areas (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, epilepsy, psychiatry).
- Experience with human-relevant models (iPSC, organoids, patient-derived systems).
- Familiarity with data-driven or AI-enabled discovery approaches.
- Experience managing external CROs and academic neuroscience collaborations.
- Strong scientific credibility in neuroscience and drug discovery.
- Strategic, decisive, and data-driven leadership style.
- Ability to communicate complex CNS biology to diverse audiences.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity and early-stage environments.
- Passion for building biology-led neuroscience drug discovery companies.
- Opportunity to shape and lead neuroscience discovery from the ground up.
- High-visibility role with direct impact on company strategy and pipeline success.
- Access to London’s growing biotech and neuroscience ecosystem.
- Competitive compensation, equity participation, and long-term growth opportunities.
Head of Discovery in City of London employer: S3 Science Recruitment
Contact Detail:
S3 Science Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Discovery in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, seminars, or local meetups related to neuroscience and biotech. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone influential.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on CNS drug discovery and how your experience aligns with their needs. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Discovery role.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your achievements and connect with key players in the biotech scene. Follow companies you're interested in and engage with their content. It’s a great way to stay on their radar and show your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows your genuine interest in the company and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Discovery in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Discovery role. Highlight your experience in neuroscience and drug discovery, focusing on relevant achievements that align with our job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for neuroscience and how your leadership style can contribute to our high-growth environment.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: We want to see your people management experience! Include examples of how you've built and mentored teams in the past, especially in multidisciplinary settings.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at S3 Science Recruitment
✨Know Your Neuroscience Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in neuroscience. Be prepared to discuss specific CNS therapeutic areas, like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, and how your experience aligns with the company’s goals. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Discovery, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past, focusing on your mentoring style and how you foster collaboration. Highlight any specific achievements that showcase your leadership prowess.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams, including chemistry and computational biology. Think of examples where you’ve effectively collaborated across functions. Be ready to discuss how you can bridge gaps between different scientific disciplines to drive drug discovery forward.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand the company's pipeline and strategic objectives. During the interview, express how your vision for discovery biology aligns with theirs. Discuss how you can contribute to their goals and what unique insights you bring to the table, especially regarding AI-enabled discovery approaches.
