Job Introduction We are seeking an experienced Head of Chemistry to lead and develop a world class Medicinal Chemistry Group, within Pharmaron Integrated Drug Discovery, enabling Pharmaron to deliver integrated drug discovery projects for our partners. At Pharmaron we offer: Vibrant and dynamic employment – we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy – our future is strong and exciting! Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself – our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster! A great team where we all support each other – enjoy your work – after all you spend about a third of your time here! Roles and responsibilities: Set strategy and direction, build infrastructure, skills & capabilities of the Chemistry Group Ensure scientific excellence & delivery across the portfolio of drug discovery projects ensuring best practices are applied Expand group expertise beyond classical small molecules Work across the global Pharmaron organisation and with client partners to lead major discovery programs and/or contribute as project team member leading by example Contribute to culture, strategy and long term scientific and commercial success of Pharmaron Integrated Drug Discovery Department Opportunities to Lead company strategic capability builds Work with business development and marketing functions to develop new business proposals and marketing material for business promotion Ensure safe operation and Health, Safety and Environmental standards Promote and ensure effective collaboration with other functions Establish & maintain high performing team culture Recruit, train, mentor, develop and retain outstanding scientists in the field of medicinal chemistry commensurate with growth and capability development strategy Performance & talent management of the Medicinal Chemistry Group Build long term collaborations with clients attracting projects into Pharmaron Grow Pharmaron’s external reputation in medicinal chemistry Some travel to Pharmaron sites in China and to partner sites is likely to be required Ensure: Excellence in compound design to test clear hypotheses State of the art medicinal chemistry strategies and procedures are applied to projects Open, timely and transparent communication with relevant partners Clear, timely decision making. Scientific and career development of staff Contribute to: The building of an outstanding drug discovery group, including attracting, development and retention of world class medicinal chemists and other scientists A learning culture in which new and best practices are sought out, shared and rapidly implemented The creation of environment of respectful but strong scientific challenge, to bring the best science to Pharmaron and its partner organisations Present plans, strategy, objectives and achievements to external partners and to internal stakeholders including local and global senior management. Provide flexible support to the scientific and operational needs of the department; be willing to develop new skills and assume responsibility for new capabilities Requirements: QUALIFICATION MSc in Chemistry or closely related field is essential, Ph.D. degree would be desirable. Experience Multi-year experience in the pharmaceutical industry in world-class small molecule drug discovery organizations (pharma., biotech., or CRO) Strong track record leading small molecule drug discovery programs through key milestones from hit-finding through to candidate selection including compounds advanced into the clinic Experience leading medicinal chemistry groups at senior levels in world-class small molecule drug discovery organizations (pharma., biotech., or CRO) A strong history of scientific publications: peer-reviewed papers, patents, presentations Scientific leadership of multidisciplinary teams Desirable: Experience with discovering / developing drugs across multiple modalities Experience with the use of application of AI technologies to compound design / drug discovery Experience leading external collaborations Experience working across multiple therapeutic areas Knowledge & Skills Outstanding knowledge of medicinal chemistry, including the use of structural information, physicochemical properties and multiple parameter optimization in compound design High level working knowledge of Synthetic Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and structure-based drug design, DMPK, Biology and Pharmacology Excellent organization and time management with ability to manage multiple competing activities Excellent influencing & interpersonal skills Strategic thinker: able to execute on long term vision Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges”. We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work. Pharmaron acquired the Hoddesdon campus, consisting of several purpose built scientific and administrative buildings together with a purpose-built conference area in February 2017. The research building has more than 5,000m2 of premier R&D space and houses an established Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Drug Discovery teams. In addition, there is a Formulation Development team. The Hoddesdon site has state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard facilities for the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Formulation Development (FD) and Process Chemistry (PC). We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits. We offer state of the art working environment on site. We offer the opportunity for growth and development and will support funding for relevant training and development programmes. Why Should You Apply? This is an opportunity for you as a Senior Medicinal Chemistry Leader to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate leadership, ambition and the desire to grow with the department. Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards. To be part of a team who support each other, embrace and solve technical challenges and put excellence at the heart of all that we do. Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 21,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.