Head of Chemistry

We are seeking an experienced medicinal chemist and drug discoverer to be Head of Chemistry in the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) at the University of Dundee. This is an exciting position to develop new small molecule medicines to treat a range of indications, with particular emphases on: infectious diseases affecting Low and Middle Income Countries; and innovative targets in a range of human diseases.

This is a substantive leadership post in a highly collaborative environment. The successful applicant will be part of the DDU Executive Team, which steers and leads the organisation.

Established for 16 years, The Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) in the School of Life Sciences (www.drugdiscovery.dundee.ac.uk/) is a unique, university-based, fully integrated, Biotech-style drug discovery operation with an annual turnover of ~£12M and 130 dedicated scientists, many with a Biotech/Pharma background.

The unit has purpose-built laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment for drug discovery and expertise in assay design, high-throughput and high-content screening, molecular pharmacology, medicinal, computational and analytical chemistry, DMPK and efficacy models. We develop molecules up to and including pre-clinical drug candidates.

Our Innovative Targets Portfolio addresses novel targets in cancer, inflammation and neurodegeneration, leading to licencing deals and spin-out (about 30% of our activity). The DDU has leading scientists, state-of-the-art technologies, purpose-built laboratories, and key therapeutic expertise in a range of diseases.

What this post offers

This post offers the successful applicant an opportunity to have a very significant leadership role in a unique discovery team, with opportunities to guide delivery of drug candidates across a variety of disease areas and to introduce innovation into the drug discovery process. In particular, it provides an opportunity to deliver drug candidates for major global diseases.

The post is available immediately and will report to the Head of the DDU. The salary is dependent on experience.

Required Attributes

• A degree and PhD in organic/ medicinal chemistry and a substantial publication/ patent portfolio.
• Experience in leading drug discovery programmes from hit discovery through lead optimisation to candidate selection.
• Experience in structurally enabled drug discovery programmes.
• Experience in developing collaborative projects with external partners.
• An enthusiasm for introducing innovation into the drug discovery process.
• Ability to develop and lead multidisciplinary teams of scientists.
• Ability to present projects internally and externally.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing input into DDU long-term strategy
• Providing strategic direction into the future direction of chemistry at the DDU
• Inputting expertise into portfolios and individual projects
• Helping in the writing of large grant applications
• Providing line support (development/ recommendations for promotions etc) for a team of medicinal chemists
• Engaging with external experts to ensure that chemistry at the DDU is maintained at the cutting edge
• Providing some input into teaching / training at an advanced level

Additional Information

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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