Director of Drug Discovery

BioSpace; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

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

Scientific leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

CRO management

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry/biochemistry/pharmacology/biology or related

MS with 15+ years experience

BS with 20+ years experience

Job description

Focus Areas:

Biochemistry, Biology, Medicinal Chemistry

Position Summary

The Director of Drug Discovery will provide scientific and operational leadership for small-molecule programs, from early discovery through candidate selection and preclinical development. This hands-on role carries an immediate mandate to build the function, including hiring a senior scientist, and combines lab science with leadership of internal and external research.

Opportunity

Be a key decision-maker at a well-funded, rapidly growing biotech. Have a direct role in shaping scientific strategy and advancing drug candidates to the clinic.

Key Responsibilities

Drug Discovery and Program Leadership

• 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 stage-appropriate go/no-go criteria.
• Integrate data across medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology to guide program strategy and compound advancement.

Experimental Science

• Design and execute laboratory experiments in-house while managing studies at external contract research organizations (CROs).
• Characterize small molecules for mechanism of action, potency, efficacy, selectivity, off-target effects, pharmacokinetics, ADME‑Tox, and SAR.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to inform compound design, prioritization, and progression.

Lead Optimization and Preclinical Development

• Direct lead‑optimization efforts using SAR, potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and PK/ADME‑Tox data to guide compound optimization.
• Develop study designs for preclinical work, including novel formulations, dose predictions, and in vitro and in vivo models.
• Evaluate PK/PD relationships, target engagement, and biomarkers to support candidate selection and development planning.

Qualifications

PhD in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, biology, or a related discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience (or MS with 15+ years, or BS with 20+ years). Significant biotech or pharma industry experience in small-molecule drug discovery. Demonstrated experience managing CROs and other external research partners. Ability to integrate complex scientific datasets and translate results into clear program decisions. Strong scientific leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

Position Details

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite) | Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation And Benefits

Base salary $150,000 - $200,000, plus annual bonus and equity eligibility. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; 401(k); and paid time off/company holidays, subject to plan terms.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision‑making, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Company also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, consistent with applicable law.