Director, Drug Discovery — Lead Small‑Molecule Programs
BioSpace
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Job summary
BioSpace in San Diego, CA seeks a Director of Drug Discovery to provide scientific and operational leadership for small-molecule programs from early discovery through preclinical development. This role includes hiring a senior scientist and combining lab science with leadership.
You will shape scientific strategy, integrate data across chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and tox, manage CROs, and drive candidate selection and development planning in a fast-growing biotech environment requiring
Qualifications
- PhD in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, biology, or related discipline with 10+ years of industry experience.
- Significant biotech or pharma experience in small-molecule drug discovery.
- Demonstrated experience managing CROs and external research partners.
Responsibilities
- Lead small-molecule discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization, candidate selection, and transition into preclinical development.
- Set scientific strategy, compound progression criteria, screening cascades, and go/no-go criteria.
- Integrate data across medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology to guide program strategy.
Skills
Education
Job description
BioSpace in San Diego, CA seeks a Director of Drug Discovery to provide scientific and operational leadership for small-molecule programs from early discovery through preclinical development. This role includes hiring a senior scientist and combining lab science with leadership.
You will shape scientific strategy, integrate data across chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and tox, manage CROs, and drive candidate selection and development planning in a fast-growing biotech environment requiring
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