Head, Protein & Structural Sciences

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore is looking for a scientific leader to head the Protein & Structural Sciences function. This role focuses on structure-enabled small molecule discovery, delivering high-quality protein reagents, and driving drug discovery strategy.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD, over 8 years of relevant experience, and a proven track record in enabling small molecule drug discovery. You will mentor a multidisciplinary team and engage with external partners to innovate and enhance platform capabilities.

Qualifications

• Over 8 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech industry settings.
• Proven success in enabling small molecule drug discovery.
• Strong experience in cross-functional drug discovery teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute discovery-focused strategy for structural biology.
• Lead delivery of high-quality proteins and constructs.
• Partner closely with Medicinal Chemistry to accelerate discovery programs.
• Establish and manage collaborations with industry partners.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Protein production

Biophysical assay development

Structural biology (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)

Team leadership

Drug discovery strategy

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or related discipline

Job description

About EDDC

EDDC is a national drug discovery and development platform focused on translating cutting‑edge science into first‑in‑class and best‑in‑class therapeutics. Working closely with industry and academic partners, EDDC advances small molecule and biologics programs from target identification through candidate nomination, with a strong focus on diseases of high unmet need, including those prevalent in Asia.

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished and industry‑experienced scientific leader to head our Protein & Structural Sciences function. This role will drive structure‑enabled small molecule discovery by delivering high‑quality protein reagents, robust biophysical assays, and structural insights that enable hit identification, lead optimization, and candidate selection.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise from pharmaceutical or biotech drug discovery environments, with a demonstrated track record of applying protein and biophysical platforms to advance small molecule programs. This individual will act as a key partner to Medicinal Chemistry and Discovery Biology, shaping program strategy through mechanistic insight and data‑driven decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership & Strategy
  • Define and execute a discovery‑focused strategy for structural biology, protein science, and biophysical analytics aligned with EDDC pipeline priorities
  • Build and evolve industry‑relevant platforms that support small molecule drug discovery, including structure‑guided design and assay enablement
• Drug Discovery Enablement
  • Lead delivery of high‑quality proteins and constructs to support target validation, screening, and structural studies
  • Oversee development and deployment of biophysical and binding assays (e.g., SPR, BLI, DSF, ITC, MST) to enable hit finding, MOA elucidation, and SAR progression
  • Drive structure‑based drug design (SBDD) efforts using X‑ray crystallography and cryo‑EM to inform medicinal chemistry decisions
  • Ensure integration of structural and biophysical data into project decision‑making and compound progression
• Cross‑functional Partnership
  • Partner closely with Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Biology to accelerate discovery programs
  • Contribute to project team leadership, influencing strategy, prioritization, and candidate selection
  • Communicate insights effectively to senior leadership and external partners
• External Engagement & Innovation
  • Establish and manage collaborations with industry and academic partners, CROs, and technology providers
  • Bring in best‑in‑class industry practices, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance platform capabilities
• People Leadership
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team
  • Foster a culture of scientific excellence, urgency, collaboration, and accountability aligned with industry drug discovery standards

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or related discipline
• > 8 years of relevant experience, with a significant portion in pharmaceutical or biotech industry settings
• Proven success in enabling small molecule drug discovery through protein science and biophysical/structural approaches
• Deep expertise in:
  • Protein production, engineering, and characterization for drug discovery
  • Biophysical assay development and application in screening and SAR
  • Structural biology (X‑ray crystallography, cryo‑EM; NMR advantageous)
• Demonstrated impact on advancing programs to candidate nomination
• Strong experience in cross‑functional drug discovery teams and decision‑making frameworks
• Track record of team leadership and talent development in an industry environment
• Experience with automation, high‑throughput platforms, or integrated discovery workflows is highly desirable