Job Description
Head of Discovery Biology – Neuroscience
Location: London, UK (on-site)
Overview
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Discovery Biology (Neuroscience) to build, lead, and scale discovery biology capabilities within a high-growth biotech environment based in London. This role will be accountable for biological strategy across neuroscience programmes, from target identification through lead nomination, working closely with chemistry, computational, and translational teams to advance a differentiated CNS-focused pipeline.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a scientifically rigorous leader with deep neuroscience expertise who thrives in small, fast-moving organisations and can translate complex biology into high-quality drug discovery programmes.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Neuroscience Strategy
* Define and own the discovery biology strategy for neuroscience programmes, aligned with company objectives and pipeline priorities
* Lead target identification, validation, and mechanism-of-action studies across CNS indications (e.g. neurodegeneration, neuropsychiatry, neuroinflammation, rare neurological disease)
* Ensure scientific excellence, data quality, and translational relevance across all discovery biology activities
Team Leadership & Development
* Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of discovery biologists with neuroscience expertise
* Foster a collaborative, high-accountability culture across biology, chemistry, computational, and translational functions
* Lead recruitment of senior and junior scientists as the organisation scales
Drug Discovery Execution
* Oversee development and optimisation of cell-based, biochemical, and phenotypic neuroscience assays, including iPSC-derived neuronal systems where relevant
* Partner closely with Medicinal Chemistry to drive hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimisation decisions
* Guide experimental design, data interpretation, and progression criteria at key project milestones
Translational & Preclinical Interface
* Work closely with Translational, In Vivo, and DMPK teams to ensure strong biology-to-clinic alignment
* Provide scientific oversight of in vivo CNS models, biomarker strategy, and PK/PD relationships
* Support IND-enabling biology packages and external CRO activities
Cross-Functional & External Collaboration
* Collaborate closely with Computational Biology, Data Science, and Chemistry teams, including AI-enabled discovery efforts
* Manage relationships with CROs, academic collaborators, and key opinion leaders in neuroscience
* Contribute to portfolio reviews, project governance, and go/no-go decisions
Executive, Investor & Partner Engagement
* Present neuroscience strategy, programme data, and risk assessments to the Executive Team, Board, and investors
* Support partnering discussions, due diligence activities, and grant or consortium applications
* Act as a scientific ambassador within the London and UK neuroscience and biotech ecosystem
Required Qualifications & Experience
* PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, or a closely related life sciences discipline
* 10+ years of experience in drug discovery biology, with a strong focus on CNS/neuroscience programmes
* Demonstrated success leading biology programmes from target discovery through lead nomination
* Proven people leadership experience, including building and managing multidisciplinary teams
* Deep understanding of CNS-relevant assay systems, disease biology, and translational challenges
* Experience working in matrixed, cross-functional discovery teams
Preferred Experience
* Experience in early-stage, venture-backed, or platform biotech environments
* Track record in one or more CNS therapeutic areas (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, epilepsy, psychiatry)
* Experience with human-relevant models (iPSC, organoids, patient-derived systems)
* Familiarity with data-driven or AI-enabled discovery approaches
* Experience managing external CROs and academic neuroscience collaborations
Key Competencies
* Strong scientific credibility in neuroscience and drug discovery
* Strategic, decisive, and data-driven leadership style
* Ability to communicate complex CNS biology to diverse audiences
* Comfort operating in ambiguity and early-stage environments
* Passion for building biology-led neuroscience drug discovery companies
Why Join Us
* Opportunity to shape and lead neuroscience discovery from the ground up
* High-visibility role with direct impact on company strategy and pipeline success
* Access to London’s growing biotech and neuroscience ecosystem
* Competitive compensation, equity participation, and long-term growth opportunities