Associate Director, Oncology Drug Discovery Unit

Scorpion Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks an Associate Director to lead one or more oncology discovery programs focused on small molecule and degrader approaches. You will guide cross-functional teams, align strategy with portfolio priorities, and mentor scientists in a matrixed environment.

You will partner with chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, translational medicine, computational/data sciences, and clinical teams to drive milestones, data-driven decisions, and governance readiness.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline with 6+ years in industry; MS with substantial relevant experience considered.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary drug discovery programs in matrixed environments.
• Track record advancing small molecule programs through hit ID, lead optimization, candidate nomination, IND-enabling.
• Direct experience with targeted protein degradation (e.g., PROTACs) is a distinct advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more oncology discovery programs for small molecule and/or degrader approaches.
• Lead cross-functional teams to set strategy, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, translational medicine, and clinical teams to advance milestones.
• Integrate complex datasets into data-driven recommendations aligned with portfolio priorities.
• Drive day-to-day execution: project prioritization, governance readiness, and issue escalation.
• Present program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to leadership forums.
• Contribute to target/modality strategy and support external diligence.
• Mentor scientists and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Program management

Mentoring scientists

Strategic planning

Drug discovery

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

MS with substantial relevant experience

Job description

Objective / Purpose:

Associate Director, scientific and program leader in the Next-generation Immuno-Oncology pillar. Provide strategic, scientific, and cross-functional leadership for discovery-stage oncology programs focused on small molecule drug discovery and targeted protein degradation/induced proximity.

Responsibilities:

• Lead one or more oncology discovery programs (program/discovery/scientific lead) for small molecule and/or degrader approaches.
• Lead cross-functional teams to set strategy, critical-path activities, key decisions, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, translational medicine, computational/data sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical teams to advance discovery milestones.
• Integrate complex datasets into data-driven recommendations aligned with portfolio priorities.
• Drive day-to-day execution: experiment prioritization, cross-functional alignment, issue escalation, and governance readiness.
• Present program strategy, key data, risks, and recommendations to leadership and governance forums.
• Contribute to target/modality strategy; support external opportunity scientific diligence.
• Foster collaborative, inclusive culture; lead through influence and mentor scientists.

Qualifications:

• PhD in relevant discipline; typically 6+ years industry experience (MS may be considered with substantial relevant experience).
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary drug discovery programs in matrixed environments.
• Track record advancing small molecule programs through key discovery milestones (hit ID, lead optimization, candidate nomination, IND-enabling).
• Direct experience with targeted protein degradation (e.g., molecular glues/PROTACs/induced proximity) is a distinct advantage.