Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Job content

• JOB PURPOSE To establish and lead the Medicinal Chemistry group at the company, set the vision and strategy for the group, and ensure execution of deliverables which are aligned with broader Technical R&D departmental goals and the company Strategic Imperatives.
  

There is also a requirement to work collaboratively with other senior leaders within the Technical R&D department and more broadly, and to deputize for the overall functional leader on medicinal chemistry issues.4. KEY ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS/EDUCATION - ESSENTIAL

• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Build and oversee the Medicinal Chemistry group within Technical R&D
• Set the vision and strategy for the group and ensure execution of agreed deliverables
• Coordinate drug discovery activities externally involving chemists and biochemists
• Ensure external providers deliver to agreed targets which are monitored and aligned against milestones
• Contribute to the company’s molecular design strategy and oversee the Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) approach
• Contribute to the team’s review of data acquisition and any concomitant changes to strategic direction
• Foster and maintain a high degree of innovative and cutting-edge thinking within the early development phases of pipeline products
• Operate as a senior leader in the department providing focus to the operations and planning of the Technical R&D department, and ensure teams have the resources needed to deliver to plan
• Responsible for maintaining cGxP and health and safety knowledge applicable to the role
• DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES In addition to the above, the following duties and accountabilities apply:
• Provide high-level project management leadership for projects relating to Medicinal Chemistry
• Encourage and foster innovative thinking in all areas of departmental activity, with a particular focus on Medicinal Chemistry
• Work closely and collaboratively with both internal and external colleagues across different disciplines
• Regularly update stakeholders with progress, budget status and recommend decisions and/or necessary changes
• Keep up to date with scientific literature and maintain awareness of development in the sphere of Medicinal Chemistry
• Undertake ongoing professional development by attending relevant training and conferences
• Create matrix teams in which individuals feel valued and are committed and engaged
• Develop and mentor less experienced staff to improve overall drug development experience within the Technical R&D function.
  

Knowledge/Experience:

• PhD level qualification or Post Doc in a chemistry-related subject
• Will have a passion and deep knowledge of medicinal chemistry as well as a desire to make a big impact on a fast-moving drug discovery program
• Familiarity in outsourcing chemistry &/or biology
• Substantial and significant experience in the management of external teams of chemists and vendors/suppliers
• Track record of success in leading a Medicinal Chemistry group, working for a Pharmaceutical company or CRO
• Has worked successfully in a cross functional, multi-disciplinary team environment,
• Experience of project and team management
  
  

Skills

:

• Outstanding organisational skills
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to see the big picture and think strategically, as well as being operationally sound
• Strong IT skills and ability to use all key packages to produce, present and analyze data. and produce compelling materials for internal and external use
• Good communications skills with an ability to adapt style and content to address the particular needs of the situation or audience
• Can lead both internal and external meetings effectively (including meetings involving senior colleagues and external partners)
• Strong collaboration and team working skills – acts as an inspirational team leader and is a supportive colleague
  
  

Attributes and Behaviours:

• Highly motivated
• Is adaptable to changing deadlines and priorities from the business
• Demonstrates good team leadership
• Shares ideas and information and promotes a culture of learning and development
• Demonstrates a ‘can do’ approach, is keen and eager to take on responsibility
• Proactive attitude to safety and quality
• Flexible approach to working arrangements
• Has strong interpersonal skills and can show tact and diplomacy when required
• Models company values and leadership behaviours

5. KEY ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS/EDUCATION – DESIRABLE
Ideally the job holder:

• Will have experience in CNS
• Will have played a central role in the medicinal chemistry aspects of pharmaceutical and analytical development of medicine progressed into clinical trials
• Will have had some involvement in regulatory submissions
• Have experience/understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing scale operations
  
  

GW’s VISION:

Unlock the potential of cannabinoid science to transform the lives of the patients and their families

GW’s MISSION:

Lead the world in developing and commercialising regulatory approved cannabinoid medicines, putting patients first

Our efforts are guided by several fundamental values. At all times we strive to be:

Patient Driven – We never forget who we’re striving for

Passionate– We are here to change lives

Innovative – We challenge ourselves to find new and better approaches

Collaborative– We accomplish more through working together and valuing one another

Accountable– We take responsibility and deliver on our commitments

Integrity – We are fair, honest, and ethical

Excellence – We pursue the highest standards for ourselves and for our industry

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