Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery
Company: Pharmaron | Location: Hoddesdon, UK
About the Role
Pharmaron is seeking an exceptional Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery to lead and evolve our DMPK capability within the Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group. The IDD Services group is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for client partners, combining scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK, and translational science. Together with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities, we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding through to IND filing.
In this high‑impact leadership role you will shape strategy, drive scientific excellence, and deliver client programmes from target identification through to IND. Working across a global, AI‑enabled platform, you’ll help accelerate innovative medicines towards the clinic.
The Opportunity
- Define and deliver the DMPK vision and strategy aligned to Pharmaron’s global drug discovery ambitions
- Provide expert DMPK, ADME and PK/PD leadership across a diverse portfolio of client programmes
- Lead and grow a high‑performing team of DMPK scientists, ensuring capability across small molecules and other modalities (e.g. degraders, ADCs, peptides)
- Play a critical role in integrated projects, driving decision‑making and delivering clear milestones from hit finding to IND
- Represent Pharmaron externally, building strong client partnerships and scientific reputation
- Contribute to the adoption of AI and computational tools to enhance Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles
- Develop new scientific capabilities and commercial offerings, strengthening Pharmaron’s position as a leading CRO partner
Key Responsibilities
- Lead DMPK strategy across integrated drug discovery projects
- Manage team performance, resourcing and hiring to support growth
- Deliver scientific leadership on client programmes with a focus on quality, speed and probability of success
- Drive cross‑functional collaboration across modelling, in‑vitro ADME, in‑vivo PK, pharmacology, formulation development and clinical teams
- Contribute to proposal development and business growth
- Act as a senior voice within global Pharmaron DMPK leadership
About You
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
- 15+ years’ experience in a DMPK leadership role within drug discovery
- Proven track record of progressing compounds through preclinical milestones
- Experience of working across multiple modalities beyond traditional small molecules (e.g. degraders, peptides, ADCs, antibodies)
- Strong leadership experience in matrixed, multi‑disciplinary environments
Knowledge & Skills
- Deep expertise in DMPK, PK/PD and translational science
- Track record of implementing drug discovery strategy and new technologies
- Familiarity with and passion for computational/AI approaches in drug discovery
- Excellent stakeholder management and client‑facing capability
Leadership Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
- Clear, confident decision‑maker with high scientific credibility and a strong publication record
- Collaborative and influential across global teams
- Enthusiastic about innovation, talent development and scientific excellence
