Head of Chemistry

We have the exciting opportunity for a Head of Chemistry to join our Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute (ARUK-ODDI) team at the Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine.

Working together with the Chief Scientific Officer, Head of Biology and Lead Academic Scientist, you  will play a key role in the delivery of the ARUK-ODDI’s portfolio of drug discovery projects, with the objective of de-risking novel therapeutic approaches and securing follow-on funding through spin-out or collaborative enterprises.

Reporting to the CSO and being a key member of the ARUK-ODDI executive team, the successful applicant will be responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary team of chemists working to support the identification and validation of new targets, as well as evaluating and developing novel chemistry to progress hit compounds from screening campaigns through to lead and candidate selection. You will work closely with the Head of Biology, the Biology teams and the Screening and Assay Development group to support the generation of novel small molecules to progress towards the clinic, as well as tools to aid in the understanding of complex biological mechanisms associated with the pathological processes attributed to dementias.

As Head of Chemistry, you will be responsible for the scientific rigour, innovation, productivity and development of the chemistry team. The ARUK-ODDI has fostered many collaborations with academic groups worldwide, as well as pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and your role will involve maintaining and establishing further collaborations. You will work in matrix teams of biologists, pharmacologists and chemists, and will bring new ideas to the group and build appropriate teams to prosecute projects that may hold therapeutic promise

It is essential that you hold a relevant PhD/Dphil in Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry, together with significant research experience post PhD and relevant to the duties of the role. You will have records of research success as evidenced by leadership of projects that have progressed and/or a body of significant, internationally recognised, research. Additionally, you will have a drive to lead and progress science with a sense of urgency, exemplified through timely realisation of results, publications, patents or industrial equivalents. Finally you will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and champion initiatives at meetings with funders and selection committees.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 2 years and is funded by the Alzheimer's Research UK.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 21 May 2024 will be considered. Interviews will be held the week commencing 3 June 2024. 

Please quote 172224 on all correspondence.

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