Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery
Location: Hoddesdon, UK
Company: Pharmaron
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 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.
This is a high-impact leadership role at the forefront of multi-modality drug discovery, where 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
You will:
1. Define and deliver the DMPK vision and strategy aligned to Pharmaron’s global drug discovery ambitions
2. Provide expert DMPK, ADME and PK/PD leadership across a diverse portfolio of client programmes
3. Lead and grow a high-performing team of DMPK scientists, ensuring capability across small molecules and other modalities (e.g. degraders, ADCs, peptides)
4. Play a critical role in integrated projects, driving decision-making and delivering clear milestones from hit finding to IND
5. Represent Pharmaron externally, building strong client partnerships and scientific reputation
6. Contribute to the adoption of AI and computational tools to enhance Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles
7. Develop new scientific capabilities and commercial offerings, strengthening Pharmaron’s position as a leading CRO partner
Key Responsibilities
8. Lead DMPK strategy across integrated drug discovery projects
9. Manage team performance, resourcing and hiring to support growth
10. Deliver scientific leadership on client programmes with a focus on quality, speed and probability of success
11. Drive cross-functional collaboration across modelling, ADME, PK, pharmacology, formulation development, clinical teams
12. Contribute to proposal development and business growth
13. Act as a senior voice within global Pharmaron DMPK leadership
About You
Qualifications & Experience
14. PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
15. 15+ years’ experience in a DMPK leadership role within drug discovery
16. Proven track record of progressing compounds through preclinical milestones
17. Experience of working across multiple modalities beyond traditional small molecules for example degraders, peptides, ADCs, antibodies
18. Strong leadership experience in matrixed, multi-disciplinary environments
Knowledge & Skills
19. Deep expertise in DMPK, PK/PD and translational science
20. Track record of implementing drug discovery strategy and new technologies
21. Familiarity and have a passion for computational/AI approaches in drug discovery
22. Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing capability
Leadership Attributes
23. Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
24. Clear, confident decision-maker with high scientific credibility and strong publication record
25. Collaborative and influential across global teams
26. Enthusiastic about innovation, talent development and scientific excellence
Why Join Pharmaron?
27. Be part of a global, industry leading integrated drug discovery organisation with ability to shape future scientific and business direction
28. Work on cutting-edge multi-modality programmes
29. Influence strategy, science and growth at a senior leadership level
30. Join a collaborative environment focused on innovation, quality and impact
Apply Now
If you’re a DMPK leader ready to shape the future of drug discovery in a fast-growing, global CRO environment, we’d love to hear from you.