Research Senior Scientific Director, Head of Hit ID and Sample Management (Automation)

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve enterprise capabilities in high-throughput screening, DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), and sample management in support of discovery programs across therapeutic areas.
• Oversee screening strategies for small molecules, ensuring robust assay execution, hit identification, triage, and progression.
• Provide deep expertise in 1536-well screening, assay miniaturization, screening cascade design, and operational scale-up.
• Drive scientific excellence in HTS principles, screening statistics, assay performance metrics, and data quality assessment, including use of controls, normalization approaches, and hit-calling methodologies.
• Apply advanced knowledge of statistical analysis to support high-confidence decision-making across large and complex datasets.
• Champion integration of AI and computational approaches for hit selection, pattern recognition, data mining, and broader screening data analysis.
• Bring direct experience with DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technologies, including screening strategy, data interpretation, and integration with complementary hit-finding platforms.
• Lead end-to-end sample management operations for both small and large molecules.
• Oversee management of large compound and sample libraries exceeding 1 million samples, ensuring integrity, accessibility, traceability, and efficient deployment.
• Direct operation and continuous improvement of large integrated automated storage systems and associated workflows.
• Establish and maintain best practices in sample QC, inventory governance, plating, cherry-picking, reformatting, and shipment readiness.
• Drive reliability, quality, and scalability of operations through strong process discipline, metrics, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking strategy for HTS, DEL, and sample management aligned with portfolio and platform priorities.
• Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, data science, automation, informatics, and discovery leadership to deliver integrated hit discovery solutions.
• Communicate scientific strategy, operational performance, risks, and investment priorities effectively to senior leadership.
• Identify emerging technologies and external innovations that can enhance screening performance, speed, and decision quality.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a large organization of scientists and operational staff.
• Build a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation.
• Coach leaders and team members, strengthen organizational capabilities, and ensure appropriate succession planning.
• Set clear goals, empower teams, and model outstanding people leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD with 15+ years’ experience in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or related discipline with 15+ years’ experience, MS with 21+ years experinece, or BS with 23+ years’ experience
• Significant industry experience in high-throughput screening, sample management, and discovery operations, including leadership at senior level.
• Demonstrated hands-on and strategic expertise in HTS, including 1536-well platforms, assay execution, screening data analysis, and hit triage.
• Direct experience with compound/sample management for both small and large molecules.
• Experience managing libraries greater than 1 million samples.
• Experience operating and optimizing large integrated automated storage systems.
• Strong knowledge of sample quality control, inventory integrity, and operational best practices.
• Deep understanding of screening statistics, data quality metrics, and quantitative analysis methods.
• Experience applying or enabling AI/ML approaches for hit selection and screening data analysis.
• Prior experience with DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) strongly preferred, ideally with direct operational and scientific leadership responsibility.
• Proven success leading large teams of 20+ scientists, including managers and technical experts.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including experience presenting to senior executives.
• Strategic and future-oriented thinker
• Outstanding people leader and talent developer
• Strong operator with a focus on excellence and continuous improvement
• Collaborative and influential across functions and levels
• Scientifically rigorous, data-driven, and innovation-minded
• Clear, confident communicator with executive presence