Senior Director, In Vitro Biology & Molecular Pharmacology

About the role

We’re seeking a Senior Director of In Vitro Biology and Molecular Pharmacology to join us in our mission to transform the discovery of novel therapeutics. Schrödinger has pioneered a physics-based software platform that enables discovery of high-quality, novel molecules for drug development and materials applications more rapidly and at lower cost compared to traditional methods. The software platform is used by biopharmaceutical and industrial companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories around the world. Our multidisciplinary drug discovery team also leverages the software platform to advance collaborative programs and its own pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for In Vitro Biology across the Therapeutics Group portfolio, and represent the function on governance bodies covering portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and Go/No-Go decisions
• Assess target tractability and risk during target selection, and define the assay cascade needed to advance a target from hit identification through Development Candidate selection
• Spearhead the organization wide hit finding strategy, collaborating across functions to design and execute screening campaigns across DEL, fragment-based, HTS/MTS, and chemoproteomic platforms, focusing on novel methods for undrugged targets
• Provide scientific oversight across multiple programs, including challenging target classes such as protein–protein interactions, undrugged targets, and degrader programs
• Tackle complex in vitro biology and molecular pharmacology challenges including resolving difficult challenges like biochemical-to-cellular disconnects and in vitro to in vivo translatability
• Act as the IVB project lead when needed, guiding timelines and strategy in close partnership with medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and structural biology leads
• Lead and develop the In Vitro Biology and Molecular Pharmacology team, mentoring direct reports and building a culture of scientific rigor and collaboration
• Own the CRO strategy for In Vitro Biology, including partner selection, budget and FTE planning, quarterly reviews, KPI accountability, and remediation of performance issues
• Identify capability gaps and drive investment in new technologies and platforms, and feed practical, assay-driven requirements back into Schrödinger's platform and data infrastructure

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Cell Biology or a related discipline
• At least ten years of industry experience in drug discovery, including leadership experience
• Experience leading in vitro biology teams and managing direct reports
• Demonstrated background with developing assays and prosecuting programs against undrugged targets
• Significant experience across multiple hit finding modalities (DEL, fragment screening, HTS/MTS, chemoproteomics) and a track record of advancing hits for challenging target classes
• Strong experience managing strategic CRO partnerships, including governance, budgets and FTE planning

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assay design
• Strong experience in managing strategic CRO partnerships, including governance, budgets and FTE planning
• Understanding of protein degrader biology (PROTACs, molecular glues) and associated assay formats
• Familiarity with data platforms such as LiveDesign
• Experience contributing to organizational strategy and governance committees
• Experience designing and interpreting in vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies

Skills

• Excellent scientific communicator who is comfortable presenting and defending innovative strategies to senior leadership

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Stock options
• Healthcare (with dental and vision)
• 401k
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• A flexible work schedule
• Paid vacation time

Pay and Perks

Estimated base salary range: $230,000 - $300,000. Actual compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, degrees held, market data, and business needs.