Position: Executive Director / Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Location: Flexible (Global)
Pharmaron Global Drug Discovery & Development

Pharmaron is a global CRO (Contract Research Organization) partnering with pharma and biotech companies to bring innovative therapies to life. With 20,000+ employees across China, the U.S., and the U.K., we provide fully integrated services spanning drug discovery, preclinical development, and clinical research across multiple therapeutic modalities-including small molecules, biologics, and cell & gene therapies.

We proudly support partners worldwide and have a proven track record of delivering high‑quality scientific solutions across all stages of the R&D pipeline. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Executive Director or Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join our Global Drug Discovery & Development organization.
This is a senior scientific leadership position for a seasoned medicinal chemist who excels in strategy, innovation, and cross‑functional collaboration.

You will play a central role in leading integrated drug discovery programs, shaping scientific strategy, and partnering closely with teams across global Pharmaron sites and external biopharma partners. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of scientific excellence, program leadership, and collaborative innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of multiple discovery programs and contribute to the identification and advancement of novel therapeutic candidates for our global clients.

We are interviewing on an ongoing basis-apply early to ensure consideration.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for integrated small‑molecule drug discovery programs, enabling clear and timely Go/No-Go decision-making.
• Participate in due diligence and partner discussions to initiate new collaborations and develop robust project proposals.
• Design innovative chemical matter to support IP generation and patent filings.
• Collaborate with computational chemistry to drive structure‑based design, virtual screening, and compound optimization.
• Analyse SAR across multi‑disciplinary data sets (biology, ADME, PK, in vivo efficacy) to advance programs toward preclinical candidate selection.
• Partner seamlessly with cross‑functional teams in Pharmaron China, including Chemistry, Biology, ADME, PK, Pharmacology, and Safety Assessment.
• Troubleshoot scientific challenges, propose solutions, and ensure alignment with partner expectations and project goals.
• Present scientific progress to partners and Pharmaron global leadership.
• Stay up‑to‑date on the latest scientific advancements, trends, and methodologies in drug discovery.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience leading medicinal chemistry activities within top-tier drug discovery organizations.
• Demonstrated success taking programs from HTS through lead ID, LO, and into development; experience with compounds entering the clinic is highly desirable.
• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and modern medicinal chemistry principles.
• Experience with diverse chemotypes (e.g., heterocycles, peptides, nucleosides/nucleotides, targeted protein degraders).
• Familiarity with computational chemistry, in vitro biology, DMPK, and in vivo pharmacology.
• Strong record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents).
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders across geographies.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary, matrixed project teams.
• Dynamic, collaborative, and solutions‑oriented mindset.

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in medicinal chemistry leadership roles.
• Equivalent experience demonstrating outstanding scientific and leadership capabilities will also be considered.

Why Pharmaron?

Collaborative Culture:
Join a global team that thrives on innovation, scientific excellence, and true partnership-where your expertise directly impacts the success of our clients' discovery programs. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core values that guide everything we do.

Impactful Work:
Contribute to the discovery of next‑generation therapies across multiple therapeutic modalities and disease areas.

Growth & Recognition:
Be part of a high‑performing scientific community where your leadership and contributions are recognized and valued.

(Benefits can be inserted or tailored depending on location, if needed.)