Job Introduction
Associate Director / Director – Biology (IDD)
Location: UK | Hybrid
Pharmaron is seeking an experienced Associate Director / Director – Biology to provide scientific leadership and translational expertise across our Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) portfolio.
This is a senior, client-facing role where you will shape biology strategy, lead multidisciplinary programmes, and contribute to the advancement of small molecule drug discovery projects from target validation through to IND across multiple therapeutic areas.
The Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group at Pharmaron is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for our client partners. The team comprises scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK and translational science. Combined with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding through to IND filing. Working closely with our partners we define strategy, coordinate execution across teams and with an AI enabled accelerated Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles support the progression of projects and innovative medicines towards the clinic.
The Role
- Lead and deliver biology strategy across integrated drug discovery programmes
- Drive projects from target validation and hit finding through to candidate selection across multiple modalities
- Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo strategies, integrating data to inform PK/PD, target engagement and efficacy
- Build and optimise assay cascades in collaboration with global teams and partners
- Interpret complex, cross-functional datasets to drive timely, data-led decision making
- Provide scientific leadership to multidisciplinary teams across biology, medicinal chemistry, DMPK and CADD
- Partner with clients to develop new project proposals and long-term collaborations
- Present programme strategy, data and progress to senior stakeholders and external partners
- Contribute to the growth of Pharmaron’s global Biology capability and reputation
About You
- PhD in Pharmacology or Biological Sciences (or equivalent experience)
- Significant experience within drug discovery organisations (Pharma, Biotech or CRO)
- Proven leadership in biology strategy and delivery to candidate nomination
- Strong track record of publications, patents or scientific presentations
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and external collaborations
- Expertise across modalities (e.g. small molecules, biologics, ADCs, degraders)
Key Skills & Expertise
- Deep expertise in pharmacological and mechanism of action with a proven ability in quantitative understanding from target occupancy/engagement to phenotype
- Strong understanding of in vitro to in vivo data integration and PK/PD relationships
- Extensive knowledge of assay development, screening cascades and quantitative biology
- Working knowledge of DMPK, toxicology and medicinal chemistry principles
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate science into delivery
- Inspirational leader with strong decision-making capability
- Collaborative across global, matrixed environments
- Adaptable and responsive to emerging data and shifting priorities
- Passionate about innovation and scientific excellence
Why Join Pharmaron?
- Lead cutting-edge, integrated discovery programmes across modalities
- Shape biology and translational strategy within a growing global CRO
- Work with world-class scientific teams and partners
- Play a key role in delivering first-in-class and best-in-class medicines
If you're ready to take a leadership role in advancing biology and translational pharmacology, we’d love to hear from you.