Vice President, Biochemistry and Head of Early Discovery Projects
Core
Scientific leader of early discovery efforts for a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing alpha-helical peptides (Helicons™) to target intracellular proteins, specifically advancing zolucatetide for Wnt/β-catenin-driven diseases.
Role type
Vice President, Biochemistry and Head of Early Discovery Projects
Builds
Early discovery projects (oncology and non-oncology) from hit discovery through hit-to-lead, transitioning candidates into late discovery.
Domain
Biopharmaceuticals / Oncology / Intracellular protein targeting / Alpha-helical peptides
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Drug discovery project leadership, protein biochemistry, biochemical/biophysical assays (SPR, TR-FRET, HDX, ITC, structural biology), cell-based screening, strategic portfolio decision-making, team recruitment and development, external partnership management
Preferred skills
Experience with small molecule or peptide modalities, experience leading cross-functional discovery projects, experience contributing to external partnerships (academic, biotech, pharma)
Technologies
SPR, TR-FRET, HDX, ITC, structural biology, cell-based screening
Responsibilities
Lead early discovery portfolio (up to 6 concurrent projects) providing scientific direction; Set strategic direction and prioritization across early discovery projects; Guide projects from target evaluation through hit-to-lead and transition to late discovery; Collaborate with display screening, AI/CDD, biology, synthesis, design, platform, and structural biology groups; Directly manage biochemistry and biophysics team; Mentor and develop early discovery project leaders; Serve as primary scientific liaison to collaboration partners; Present early discovery progress and strategy to senior leadership and the Board
Seniority
Executive, strategic leadership & mentorship