Director, Head of Drug Discovery

ADP, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 191,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Equity via Stock Options

Health benefits

Annual cash awards

Job summary

Arcturus Therapeutics is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Drug Discovery & Target Identification to lead target validation and discovery programs. This role focuses on expanding our LNP-mRNA platform for therapeutic protein delivery across diseases, with responsibility for strategy, resource allocation, and portfolio management.

The candidate will apply advanced AI, biostatistics, and translational biomarkers to drive preclinical-to-clinical progress, coordinating cross-functionally and

Qualifications

• PhD with 12–15+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech drug discovery.
• Proven track record as a Drug Hunter leading discovery teams.
• Experience applying AI in drug development and biostatistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team to identify novel target pathways and validate targets.
• Scale discovery platform from rare diseases toward broader indications.
• Integrate advanced technologies, AI, and biostatistics to identify candidates.
• Define biological hypotheses and select preclinical models for development.
• Collaborate across development teams to advance LNP-mRNA drug candidates.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders to plan programs efficiently.

Skills

Team Leadership

AI in drug discovery

Biostatistics

Target identification

Preclinical development

Portfolio management

Pharmacology expertise

mRNA therapeutics

LNP delivery platforms

Strategic communication

Education

PhD in a relevant field

12–15+ years pharma/biotech experience

Tools

Biostatistics software

In silico modeling tools

AI platforms

Job description

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Director, Head of Drug Discovery

Full Time San Diego, CA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1350

Salary Range: $191,000.00 To $250,000.00 Annually

Director / Senior Director: Drug Discovery & Target Identification (LNP-mRNA Platform / "Drug Hunter")

SUMMARY

We are seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and proven "Drug Hunter" at the Director or Senior Director level to join our Translational Biology team and lead the Target Identification and Drug Discovery efforts. The successful candidate will drive the expansion of our proprietary Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP)-mRNA nucleic acid delivery platform, specifically optimizing it for the delivery of therapeutic proteins to treat a broad range of human diseases. In this role, you will be responsible for the development of target ID and discovery strategies, managing a robust Discovery portfolio for therapeutic targets as we aggressively expand our franchise the candidate will lead the prioritization of therapeutic targets based on scientific rationale, drug ability, medical need, risk, and competitive landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Team Leadership & Strategy: Lead a high-performing team to identify and interrogate novel target pathways, enriching the company pipeline and developing innovative research plans to validate targets.
• Platform Scaling: Drive the expansion of our established discovery platform from rare disease targets into broader, more common disease indications.
• Advanced Technology Integration: Leverage next-generation technologies, deep biostatistics, and cutting-edge AI applications to identify drug candidates and manage complex digital workflows.
• Preclinical Development: Formulate clear biological hypotheses, identify preclinical models that accurately represent target patient populations, and successfully advance projects toward clinical development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner across the full spectrum of development activities and project teams to advance ground-breaking, LNP-mRNA-based new drug candidates.
• Stakeholder & Program Management: Cultivate strong internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, utilizing excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to orchestrate realistic, efficient program plans.

REQUIREMENTS

• Education & Experience: PhD with 12–15+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a heavy emphasis on drug target ID, validation, and preclinical discovery drug development.
• Track Record: Proven track record as a "Drug Hunter" leading discovery teams involved in identifying, validating, and successfully advancing novel drug targets/modalities into clinical development.
• Advanced Tech & AI: Deep familiarity with next-generation technologies to identify drug candidates and a clear track record of applying AI applications to drug development.
• Data & Computational Literacy: Proficient computer skills paired with a deep understanding of biostatistics to drive high-throughput screening analysis and predictive modeling.
• Portfolio Management: Deep understanding of drug development, competitive landscapes, and experience managing a Discovery portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas (including rare and non-rare/common diseases).
• Pharmacology Expertise: Strong understanding of classical pharmacological principles and the drug discovery process, with the ability to support the assessment of potency and efficacy and contribute to predictions of human efficacy.
• In Vito/In Vivo Modeling: Extensive experience with animal models of disease, as well as the design and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate drug candidates and explore novel therapeutic hypotheses.
• Translational Biomarkers: Experience utilizing pharmacodynamic endpoints, such as translational biomarkers or in vivo imaging, to guide program progression.
• Innovation & Tech: Ability to investigate, select, and/or develop new methods and technologies for project advancement and monitor workflows to enable seamless execution of studies.
• Matrix Leadership: Experience managing pharmacology and discovery research in a matrixed environment and establishing high-impact external academic and industry collaborations.
• Strategic Communication: Demonstrated ability to translate overarching strategy into action; excellent analytical skills and an ability to communicate complex biological issues in a simple way to mitigate risks.
• Platform Alignment: Experience in mRNA therapeutics, RNA-based medicines, or LNP delivery platforms is highly preferred.
• Core Attributes: Strong sense of urgency, initiative, ethics/integrity, and innovation, alongside excellent presentation and oral/written communication skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

An exciting opportunity to join a company that offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Full range of health benefits, including Medical, Dental & Vision, with options for
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Competitive salaries and bonus plans, plus equity via Stock Options
• Free variety of snacks and beverages
• Health and Wellness programs
• $100 Anniversary cash awards with opportunity to increase to $2000!
• Company-sponsored FUN events

Arcturus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affi

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.