Head of Chemistry, Drug Design, Cambridge, MA

Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel-winning AlphaFold system. Since then, our interdisciplinary team of drug discovery experts and machine learning specialists has built powerful new predictive and generative AI models that accelerate scientific discovery at digital speed.

Our name comes from the belief that there is an underlying symmetry between biology and information science. By harnessing AI’s powerful capabilities, we can use it to model complex biological phenomena to help design novel molecules, anticipate how drugs will perform and develop innovative medicines to treat and cure some of the world’s most devastating diseases.

We have built a world-leading drug design engine comprising AI models that are capable of working across multiple therapeutic areas and drug modalities. We are continually innovating on model architecture and developing cutting-edge capabilities to advance rational drug design.

Every day, and with each new breakthrough, we’re getting closer to the promise of digital biology, and achieving our ambitious mission to one day solve all disease with the help of AI.

We are building a dynamic team of Medicinal Chemists in Cambridge, MA, to transform how drugs are designed. By partnering deeply with our AI/ML colleagues, we are doing more than just leveraging the Isomorphic Labs Drug Design Engine - we are actively shaping it. We use our domain expertise to challenge and refine our algorithms, creating a powerful symbiotic relationship that drives our internal and collaborative portfolios. Our team work closely together in a supportive environment, where everyone is valued for their medicinal chemistry expertise and experience they bring to the group. We have a strong growth mindset and prioritise continued development and learning.

As part of our expansion to Cambridge, MA, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Chemistry, Drug Design to join our foundational Drug Design team. This is a pivotal role for a motivated scientific leader who is eager to shape the future of drug discovery at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and artificial intelligence. This role requires a unique blend of deep scientific expertise and the ability to lead both technical projects and high-performing teams, whilst contributing to or leading active drug discovery programs.

You will provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for the Medicinal Drug Design team, responsible for delivery and guidance of projects to clinical candidate nomination. Additionally, you will oversee and mentor a team of talented Medicinal Chemists, fostering their scientific growth and career development. Working alongside world-leading AI/ML Scientists, you will play a critical role in driving project success, enhancing our AI platform through expert feedback, and building a high-performing team. Critical to this role will be the ability to build highly effective and efficient connectivity with Computational Drug Design, Biology and Pre-Clinical Development teams to accelerate pace to the clinic. If you are a skilled Medicinal Chemist with leadership experience and a passion for applying cutting-edge technology to complex scientific challenges, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity for impact and growth.

• →Apply your knowledge and track record of modern drug design & discovery principles to deliver our Drug Design portfolio. 
• →Provide direct line management for a growing team of Medicinal Chemists. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, support their professional development, and foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• →Provide strategic input and technical direction to our AI/ML platform teams. 
• →Collaborate both internally and with third party organisations, interacting within multidisciplinary teams, to support data-driven delivery of high quality scientific solutions to complex technical problems. 
• →Represent the company externally, interacting with existing and prospective collaborators and Contract Research Organizations (CROs). 
• →Effectively manage CRO resource and monitor KPIs to maintain delivery. 
• →Prepare detailed scientific proposals and reports to support new and ongoing programs. 
• →Embrace and champion our culture of inclusion and continuous professional development. 

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a related technical field, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Solid foundation in medicinal chemistry with a minimum of 10+ years previous industrial experience within a pharma/biotech/CRO setting. 
• Proven track record of leading medicinal chemistry efforts on drug discovery projects, demonstrating significant contributions to project progression (ideally from Hit Identification through to Lead Optimization/Candidate Nomination, with familiarity of optimization of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK).
• Demonstrated experience in line management, mentorship, and developing scientific talent.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities applied to complex drug discovery challenges.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities applied to complex drug discovery challenges.
• Experience of working with and closely managing CRO resource. 
• Strong track record of scientific achievement, evidenced by publications, patents, and presentations.
• Genuine passion for drug discovery and enthusiasm for the potential of AI/ML to transform the field.

• Experience of successful application of fragment-based drug design approaches. 

We are guided by our shared values. It's not about finding people who think and act in the same way. These values help to guide our work and will continue to strengthen it. 

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