At CHARM Therapeutics, we are pioneering the future of medicine design through the use of our protein-ligand intelligence platform to deliver next generation small molecule therapeutics. We leverage cutting-edge AI technology to increase the accuracy of predicting protein-ligand interactions with the ambition of transforming the efficiency of drug discovery, enabling identification of quality molecules and de-risking development. This relies on the collaboration of all our teams from lab to AI model development, keeping in mind that improving patient health and patient outcomes is at the heart of what we do.
We are seeking an experienced Biology leader with a passion for scientific innovation. This key leadership role will be instrumental in driving our oncology-focussed drug discovery pipeline and leading a world-class team of drug discovery scientists. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative team to invent new medicines. He/she/they will be instrumental in defining portfolio strategy and driving execution, as well as in the scientific mentoring and technical training of CHARM Tx team members. To accomplish the above, the successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal, cross functional collaboration and communication skills, in addition to rigorous scientific thinking.
Role Responsibilities:
- Lead and guide our industry-leading Biology team within the CHARMTx Drug Discovery organisation
- Lead the critical evaluation and selection of new biological targets. Our core therapeutic area is oncology, this may broaden to include additional therapeutic areas in the future
- As part of the CHARM Research Leadership Team, define overall strategy for Drug Discovery projects
- Working with leaders across the organisation, guide the direction of the DragonFold technology
- Use timely decision-making to ensure focus and delivery of key objectives. Promote high levels of productivity and urgency, leading by personal example
- Promote and maintain the highest levels of excellence in Biology, with a personal commitment to extend and develop knowledge and expertise
- Foster collaborations within CHARM Tx and with academia to ensure that the CHARM Tx Biology group operates at the highest levels of scientific excellence
- Give presentations on CHARM Tx projects both at internal science meetings and externally at conferences
- Maintain the highest levels of Health and Safety across the CHARM Tx Biology group
Educational Background:
A PhD in Cancer Biology or related discipline is required
Skills and Experience required:
- Significant drug discovery experience in a relevant industrial setting
- Deep understanding of the field of oncology
- Experience in validating oncology targets and initiating drug discovery programs
- A track record of supporting drug discovery projects into development; ideally including direct accountability for project leadership
- Experience of working across multiple target-types and gene families
- Motivated to apply AI methodologies across drug discovery paradigms
- Experience in the design, development, and execution of cell-based and biochemical assays.
- A good understanding of related scientific disciplines that are pertinent to drug discovery and early development (e.g. medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, ADME, formulation, hit discovery, structural biology, drug safety/toxicology, IP)
- Highly skilled and experienced people manager
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
- Collaborative, with the ability to work well as part of a team