Leader of Structure Biology and Protein Chemistry

About the role

At the intersection of structural science and therapeutic innovation, this role offers a rare opportunity to define how structure-guided insights translate into life-changing medicines. As Director, Structural Biology & Protein Chemistry, you will lead a team of more than ten scientists, setting the strategic direction for structural biology and protein chemistry across a broad and ambitious drug discovery portfolio. You will drive programs from target validation through to early clinical candidates, integrating structural, functional, and mechanistic data to inform medicinal chemistry, antibody engineering, and therapeutic modality decisions.

Operating with significant autonomy, you will partner closely with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK functions, manage external collaborations and CRO partnerships, and contribute to IP strategy by translating structural findings into patentable discoveries. You will also champion scientific excellence and mentor the next generation of structural biology talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of more than ten scientists, setting the strategic direction for structural biology and protein chemistry.
• Drive drug discovery programs from target validation through to early clinical candidates.
• Integrate structural, functional, and mechanistic data to inform medicinal chemistry, antibody engineering, and therapeutic modality decisions.
• Partner closely with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK functions.
• Manage external collaborations and CRO partnerships.
• Contribute to IP strategy by translating structural findings into patentable discoveries.
• Champion scientific excellence and mentor the next generation of structural biology talent.

Requirements

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a closely related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector.
• Minimum 5 years of direct leadership or managerial experience, with a demonstrated ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing scientific teams.
• Proven track record of delivering drug discovery programs from target validation through to clinical candidates, including Pre-IND or IND-enabling experience.
• Hands-on expertise in the expression, purification, stabilization, and biophysical characterization of challenging protein targets, including membrane and soluble proteins.
• Proficiency in at least one structure determination technology, such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), with experience in hybrid or integrative structural approaches.
• Record of high-impact publications demonstrating structural and mechanistic insights relevant to drug discovery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with emerging therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, PROTACs, or covalent inhibitors.
• Established external network with academic institutions or industry partners to accelerate drug discovery programs.
• Experience contributing to patent filings and intellectual property strategy based on structural biology findings.
• Familiarity with modern data management, bioinformatics, and collaboration tools used in structural biology and drug discovery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex structural data clearly to senior leadership and non-specialist stakeholders.

Pay

Pay range for this position: $237,300.00 - $355,900.00. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement contributions
• Other perquisites

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