Director - Discovery & Preclinical Research

Northreach; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharma company in the UK seeks a Director of Discovery & Preclinical Research. This role involves developing strategies and overseeing the research team and budget. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Pharmacology, extensive senior experience, and expertise in CNS disease mechanisms. Strong skills in organization, problem-solving, and communication are essential. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking therapeutics for sexual and mental well-being.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior Pharmacology and Preclinical roles.
• Knowledge of legislation and guidelines for drug development.
• Expertise in preclinical models and pharmacology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Discovery and Preclinical Research strategy.
• Oversee daily activities, team, and budget for research.
• Manage third-party relationships including CROs and partners.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Scientific writing

Presenting data

Budget management

Knowledge of CNS disease mechanisms

Education

Degree in Pharmacology or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Endnote

GraphPad

Job description

Director - Discovery & Preclinical Research

About the Role:

Join an innovative biopharma company developing ground‑breaking therapeutics for sexual and mental wellbeing. The lead compound, in Phase 1 clinical trials, is pioneered by a team of seasoned drug developers and top pharma executives. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge therapeutic development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain Discovery and Preclinical Research strategy.
• Oversee daily activities, team, and budget for Discovery and Preclinical Research.
• Generate pharmacology data and build development hypotheses.
• Manage third‑party relationships (CROs, partners, academic centres).
• Handle Preclinical submissions and interactions with regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA, EMA, TGA).
• Collaborate with Clinical Development and Intellectual Property teams.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, regulatory guidelines, and ICH requirements.
• Apply Preclinical GxP and H&S knowledge to activities.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Pharmacology or related field; PhD preferred.
• Extensive experience in senior Pharmacology and Preclinical roles.
• Knowledge of legislation and guidelines for drug development.
• Expertise in CNS disease mechanisms and preclinical models.
• Experience in scientific writing, presenting data, and budget management.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Endnote, literature search databases, and scientific software (e.g., GraphPad).

Northreach is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and hiring practices, therefore only partner with business that promote DEI. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.