Scientific Director – Virtual Screening Applications Expert

BioSpace; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary leader to drive innovation in virtual screening applications. This role involves overseeing the VS@Lilly platform, collaborating across various scientific teams to enhance drug discovery processes. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry and extensive experience in virtual screening, demonstrating a strategic mindset and the ability to build inclusive teams. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity and is committed to improving lives through groundbreaking discoveries. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of drug discovery.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in drug discovery using Virtual Screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead the VS@Lilly team to identify novel chemical starting points.
• Collaborate with structural biologists to leverage data for target preparation.
• Implement cutting-edge methods like AI virtual screening techniques.

Skills

Virtual Screening

Computational Chemistry

Medicinal Chemistry

AI-based Modeling

Molecular Design Software

Interpersonal Skills

Diversity & Inclusion

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry

Tools

Cheminformatics Tools

Job description

Scientific Director – Virtual Screening Applications Expert

Join to apply for the Scientific Director – Virtual Screening Applications Expert role at BioSpace.

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees worldwide work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those in need, improve disease understanding and management, and contribute to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We are committed to excellence and putting people first. We seek individuals determined to improve lives globally.

Responsibilities

The Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies (DCRT) organization focuses on creating and discovering new molecules to engage disease-relevant biological systems, testing clinical hypotheses, and advancing innovative medicines. To accelerate delivering valuable medicines, innovative computational tools are increasingly essential.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, DCRT Computational Chemistry and Cheminformatics, the Virtual Screening Applications Expert will oversee small molecule virtual screening activities at DCRT. The role involves collaboration across computational, structural biology, molecular pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry teams to apply transformative virtual screening approaches, enabling Lilly to target difficult-to-drug proteins.

We Are Looking For

An internationally recognized Virtual Screening (VS) expert (Director/Senior Director/Executive Director) to lead the VS@Lilly platform within a matrix organization. The candidate should be highly collaborative, engaging with target and therapeutic project teams to leverage VS for rapid identification of promising small molecules, supporting Hit-ID and discovery efforts. A visionary leader who will work with Lilly IT to introduce transformative methods into the VS platform and push the boundaries of virtual screening capabilities.

Desired qualities include:

• Strategic and transformational thinking with high self-awareness
• Focus on future innovations rather than precedent
• Ability to build interdisciplinary, inclusive teams
• Effective communication with all organizational levels
• Collaborative operation across teams and sites
• Proactive in establishing and driving collaborations

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the VS@Lilly team to identify novel chemical starting points for drug discovery across various mechanisms of action
• Collaborate with structural biologists to leverage structural and biophysical data for target preparation
• Develop workflows integrating physics- and AI-based modeling to improve hit rates on challenging targets
• Implement cutting-edge methods like ensemble or AI virtual screening techniques
• Create cheminformatics tools to maximize chemical and binding pocket diversity
• Work with medicinal chemists to triage VS hits for synthesis or purchase
• Streamline workflows with Tech@Lilly for timely and broader impact

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field
• 5+ years of successful application of VS in drug discovery
• Proven ability to champion new technologies and lead cross-functional teams

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
• Passion for coaching and developing teams
• Extensive expertise with molecular design software
• Knowledge of medicinal chemistry and ADME concepts
• Publication and patent experience
• Expertise in GPCR drug discovery
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Lilly supports individuals with disabilities in the application process. For accommodations, please complete the workplace accommodation request form.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.

Compensation for this role ranges from $171,000 to $275,000, plus potential bonuses and comprehensive benefits.