Associate Director / Director – Biology (IDD)
Location: UK | Hybrid
Pharmaron is seeking an experienced Associate Director / Director – Biology to provide scientific leadership and translational expertise across our Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) portfolio.
This is a senior, client-facing role where you will shape biology strategy, lead multidisciplinary programmes, and contribute to the advancement of small molecule drug discovery projects from target validation through to IND across multiple therapeutic areas.
The Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group at Pharmaron is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for our client partners. The team comprises scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK and translational science. Combined with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding through to IND filing. Working closely with our partners we define strategy, coordinate execution across teams and with an AI enabled accelerated Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles support the progression of projects and innovative medicines towards the clinic.
The Role
1. Lead and deliver biology strategy across integrated drug discovery programmes
2. Drive projects from target validation and hit finding through to candidate selection across multiple modalities
3. Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo strategies, integrating data to inform PK/PD, target engagement and efficacy
4. Build and optimise assay cascades in collaboration with global teams and partners
5. Interpret complex, cross-functional datasets to drive timely, data-led decision making
6. Provide scientific leadership to multidisciplinary teams across biology, medicinal chemistry, DMPK and CADD
7. Partner with clients to develop new project proposals and long-term collaborations
8. Present programme strategy, data and progress to senior stakeholders and external partners
9. Contribute to the growth of Pharmaron’s global Biology capability and reputation
About You
10. PhD in Pharmacology or Biological Sciences (or equivalent experience)
11. Significant experience within drug discovery organisations (Pharma, Biotech or CRO)
12. Proven leadership in biology strategy and delivery to candidate nomination
13. Strong track record of publications, patents or scientific presentations
14. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and external collaborations
15. Expertise across modalities (e.g. small molecules, biologics, ADCs, degraders)
Key Skills & Expertise
16. Deep expertise in pharmacological and mechanism of action with a proven ability in quantitative understanding from target occupancy/engagement to phenotype
17. Strong understanding of in vitro to in vivo data integration and PK/PD relationships
18. Extensive knowledge of assay development, screening cascades and quantitative biology
19. Working knowledge of DMPK, toxicology and medicinal chemistry principles
20. Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
Key Attributes
21. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate science into delivery
22. Inspirational leader with strong decision-making capability
23. Collaborative across global, matrixed environments
24. Adaptable and responsive to emerging data and shifting priorities
25. Passionate about innovation and scientific excellence
Why Join Pharmaron?
26. Lead cutting-edge, integrated discovery programmes across modalities
27. Shape biology and translational strategy within a growing global CRO
28. Work with world-class scientific teams and partners
29. Play a key role in delivering first-in-class and best-in-class medicines
If you're ready to take a leadership role in advancing biology and translational pharmacology, we’d love to hear from you.