Director, Discovery Process Chemistry

Job Description

Director, Discovery Process Chemistry, West Point, PA

Job Description

Throughout the drug discovery lifecycle, sustained investment in innovative chemistry can inspire design and enable the synthesis of the best molecules. In this context, the Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group works in partnership with Discovery teams to advance programs into uncharted chemical space and subsequently transition lead compounds into development.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to function as the Director of the West Point Discovery Process Chemistry team. The successful candidate is responsible for managing a portfolio of preclinical projects and a team of discovery process chemists at our West Point site. This role will be part of the Discovery Process Chemistry leadership team and contribute to key scientific, strategic, and business decisions facing the function.

Key Responsibilities

The Director reports to the Executive Director, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SM PR&D) in the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization of our company's Research Laboratories. This role has direct supervisory responsibility of approximately 7-10 scientists who work closely within multidisciplinary teams comprised of discovery and development scientists. The incumbent will be responsible for the recruiting, appraisal, and development of personnel under their supervision. The Director selects, trains, and effectively recommends transfers, merit increases, promotions, and closures of personnel under their direction within the framework of Company policy.

Critical tasks involve oversight of new route design, synthetic methodology development, and support of API campaigns for discovery and preclinical efforts; transferring appropriate technical information to support the preparation of API across internal sites and in collaboration with external partners. Proactive resourcing planning, risk assessment strategies, drug substance supply/demand, and budget management will be necessary. Ensuring the successful and rapid transition of compounds from discovery research into development by closely interacting with discovery and preclinical colleagues is a core component of the role. The Director will also be a member of the core-team for a discovery review committee responsible for oversight of the discovery portfolio in a therapeutic area, including influence in approval of potential candidates for preclinical development.

The Director establishes, recommends, and maintains external contacts for West Point DPC, where interaction with the local academic community is an expectation of the role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related biopharmaceutical science, plus five (5) or more years’ experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development within the industry.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups

• Track record and commitment to employee development/retention

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills

• An understanding of the interplay between medicinal chemistry SAR, molecule physical properties, and preclinical safety assessment workflows will be critical

• Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry, especially regarding early clinical development is expected

• Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines

• Demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects

• Internationally recognized in pharmaceutical development area with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations

Required Skills:

Bioanalytical Analysis, Catalysis (Inactive), Chemical Biology, Creativity, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Data Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Mentoring Staff, People Leadership, Peptide Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Professional Networking, Project Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Synthetic Chemistry

Preferred Skills:

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