VP Medicinal Chemistry - Biopharma

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical leader based in the UK is looking for a VP of Medicinal Chemistry to guide the strategic direction of chemistry and molecule discovery. This role involves leading a large team of chemists, managing partnerships, and advancing the use of Artificial Intelligence in drug discovery. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in delivering drug candidates and demonstrating scientific innovation. Emphasis on collaboration and the ability to develop research strategies is crucial for success.

Qualifications

• Over 20 years of experience in a drug discovery environment.
• Track record of delivering small molecule candidate drugs.
• Proven scientific track record of innovation in AI application.

Responsibilities

• Lead department of >120 chemists.
• Manage >100 synthetic chemistry roles at CRO partners.
• Drive innovation and scientific excellence in Chemistry.

Skills

Leadership in drug discovery

Expertise in Medicinal Chemistry

Artificial Intelligence methods

Project management

Collaboration and relationship building

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Job description

The VP Medicinal Chemistry will be accountable for developing a long‑term vision and strategy for Chemistry and molecule discovery broadly, and will be expected to contribute to disease area strategies within these therapy areas. Working as part of a global leadership team the role holder will be accountable for developing the future of the Medicinal Chemistry capability, while building trusting relationships with senior scientific colleagues internally and externally to AstraZeneca. In addition to having a strong track record for successful delivery of clinical candidates, the role holder will be a leader in the creation and adoption of Artificial Intelligence methods within chemistry design and synthesis, with experience of the discovery of novel small molecule modalities including PROTACs and Molecular Glues. They will be a recognised leader in the field of Medicinal Chemistry with an extensive external network and scientific presence and will be expected to initiate and lead external collaborations and partnerships to create new capability and to deliver new science into the AstraZeneca portfolio.

The role will lead a department of Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemists delivering deep technical and scientific expertise for the optimisation of novel small molecule leads and candidates for a diverse portfolio of projects within Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, Respiratory and Immune Disease portfolio’s at AstraZeneca. The role holder will have a track record of the successful application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods in molecule discovery, design and optimisation and will lead a high performing department with a passion for scientific delivery and innovation.

Key Accountabilities

• Delivery of a portfolio of small molecule, PROTAC, molecular glue and drug‑conjugate projects to candidate selection
• The scientific and people leadership of a department of >120 scientists across AstraZenca sites in the disciplines of Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemistry
• The management of >100 synthetic chemistry roles at CRO partners, together with the development of a future resourcing strategy for the department.
• The identification and implementation of novel Medicinal, Synthetic and Computational Chemstry technologies, including the use of Artifical Intelligence methods, to advance the capability
• Represent department on cross organisational teams accountable for the delivery of the AstraZeneca portfolio; this will include membership of therapy area leadership teams and matrix governance committees
• Drive innovation, scientific excellence and external visibility of the Chemistry capability through internal scientific/technological development, external collaborations, publications and conference presentations
• Build and maintain a high performing team environment, with full engagement of staff and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Manage headcount allocation and expense, capital, and collaboration budgets to maximise impact and delivery to R&D, and ensure high standards for SHE and governance compliance

Education / Skills & Experience

Essential

• PhD/Post‑doc in Chemistry discipline with >20 years’ experience in a drug discovery environment
• Track record of leading large groups in highly matrixed science and technology based organisations and evidence of ability to shape groups to the needs of the business.
• Track record of successfully delivering small molecule candidate drugs into the clinic
• A proven scientific track record of innovation and application of Artificial Intelligence methods in molecule discovery
• Proven ability to create new research strategies to drive organisational success
• Significant experience in the leadership of drug discovery projects
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with scientific and leadership teams at local and remote research sites, and to initiate and successfully deliver value from external collaborations
• Experience in project management, change management and/or implementation of process optimisation approaches
• Proven ability to recruit, retain and develop people to build a world‑class organisation
• Broad industrial and academic network with key stakeholders and innovation leaders internationally

Desirable

• Experience of the development of informatics tools to enable integrated analysis of chemistry data
• Experience in drug discovery within Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, Respiratory or Immune diseases

Date Posted 17-Dec-2025

Closing Date 18-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.