Head of In Vitro Pharmacology

Proteros Biostructures; München; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Proteros Biostructures in Munich, Germany seeks a Head of In Vitro Pharmacology to build and lead all in vitro pharmacology capabilities for integrated drug discovery programs. You will design and execute cell-based assays supporting hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization, and you will shape target validation with disease-relevant cell models.

You will drive high-throughput screening strategies (NanoBRET, NanoBiT, TR‑FRET, AlphaScreen and related technologies), apply molecular

Qualifications

• PhD in Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology or related discipline.
• 10+ years in industry, in vitro pharmacology within small molecule discovery.
• Proven expertise in cellular/molecular biology techniques.
• Track record progressing drug candidates from hit to nomination.
• Hands-on assay development for potency, efficacy and mechanism.
• Mammalian cell culture including stable and transient lines.
• Experience with automation, liquid handling and HTS execution.
• Strong data interpretation, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish in vitro pharmacology capabilities for integrated programs.
• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based assays for hit-to-lead and lead optimization.
• Select, engineer, and characterize disease-relevant cell lines (stable/transient).
• Provide strategic input into target selection and validation.
• Lead HTS strategies using NanoBRET, NanoBiT, TR-FRET and related tech.
• Apply molecular biology to evaluate activity, mechanism and pathway engagement.
• Ensure robust experimental design, reproducibility and data quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of research associates and scientists.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams (med-chem, biophysics, structural biology).
• Generate high-quality data packages to support IND enabling and nominations.
• Present capabilities and findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive automation and high-throughput processing to boost productivity.

Skills

Cellular biology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in Cellular Biology or related field

Tools

Liquid handling systems

Automation platforms

HTS technologies

Job description

Head of In Vitro Pharmacology

Proteros Biostructures
Munich, Germany

Your mission

• Establish all in vitro pharmacology capabilities and processes required for integrated drug discovery programs.
• Define and lead the required design, execution, and analysis of cell-based assays to support hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization campaigns.
• Select, engineer, and characterize disease-relevant cell lines, including stable and transient transfection models.
• Provide strategic input into target selection and validation.
• Design strategies for high-throughput screening campaigns using advanced assay technologies (NanoBRET, NanoBiT, TR-FRET, AlphaScreen, luminescence, reporter gene activation, FLIPR and others).
• Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., Western blot, qPCR, gene editing, siRNA knockdown, biomarker assays) to evaluate compound activity, efficacy, mechanism of action and pathway engagement.
• Ensure robust experimental design, reproducibility, and data quality while meeting project timelines.
• Lead and mentor a team of research associates and scientists to achieve operational and scientific excellence.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively within cross-functional drug discovery teams, including medicinal chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, protein sciences, and computational chemistry.
• Align scope, timelines and decision points for support of med chem optimization, and generate high-quality in vitro pharmacology data packages to support IND-enabling activities and candidate nomination decisions.
• Present scientific capabilities and findings to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Lead implementation of automation, liquid handling systems, and high-throughput assay processing to enhance team productivity and scalability.

Your profile

Required

• PhD in Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience in in vitro pharmacology within a small molecule drug discovery setting (biotech or pharmaceutical).
• Extensive expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Proven track record of contributing to the progression of small molecule drug candidates from hit to candidate nomination.
• Hands-on experience with assay development for potency, efficacy, target engagement, selectivity, and mechanism of action of small molecules.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture (including establishing and maintaining transient and stable cell lines).
• Long-standing experience with liquid handling systems, automation, and high-throughput assay execution.
• Strong skills in data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing research associates and scientists.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience in one or more key disease areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, or metabolic diseases.

Preferred

• Familiarity with CRO operating environment, including multi-client project management, resource planning, and client-facing scientific communication.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation modalities (PROTACs, molecular glues, bifunctional degraders).
• Knowledge of DMPK interface: protein binding, metabolic stability, and their impact on in vitro assay interpretation.
• Experience operating within an IND-enabling or GLP-compliant environment.