Head of Chemistry

Head of Chemistry

The Role

AstronauTx is a cutting-edge biotech company founded to target neurodegenerative diseases by improving disrupted physiological processes leading to dementia.  We are working with world-class academic scientists and contract research organisations to progress small-molecule therapeutics into the clinic.  We have built a platform of assays relevant to key targets and disease biology.  We are expanding our team and have an opening for a full-time Head of Chemistry with significant medicinal chemistry experience in optimising lead series and delivery of development candidates, preferably including CNS disorders.

The Head of Chemistry will be located in our offices in central London.  The role is office based, with flexibility for a hybrid work pattern.  The successful candidate will work with the AstronauTx team and our network of consultants, collaborators and contract research organisations to drive forward our portfolio of small molecule programmes. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry, and will be able to lead projects forward in a dynamic and collaborative manner, ensuring that our academic and industrial partners deliver to achieve our goals.

This is a great opportunity to join a small, friendly, and dynamic team at the cutting edge of neurodegeneration drug discovery, and to be involved in projects from very early exploratory through to clinical development. 

Responsibilities

• Lead the medicinal chemistry activities across the AstronauTx portfolio to deliver candidate-quality molecules for clinical development
• Devise medicinal chemistry strategies for each project including chemotype optimisation and generation of chemical tools as appropriate
• Contribute to the strategic direction of AstronauTx and work collaboratively with other members of the team to achieve the company’s goals
• Promote and maintain the highest levels of excellence in medicinal chemistry, with a personal commitment to extend and develop knowledge and expertise
• Build a strong, working collaboration with our key academic, industry and CRO collaborators to define workplans and drive projects forwards
• Communicate efficiently, interpret and summarise data for presentation to diverse audiences
• Proactively identify potential new projects and partners to support ongoing and new project activities

Experience & Requirements

Essential

• A PhD and minimum of 10 years of relevant industrial experience in drug discovery
• In depth understanding of medicinal chemistry and drug design principles
• Direct accountability for project leadership, preferably including supporting drug discovery projects through preclinical development
• A good understanding of the associated scientific disciplines relevant to drug discovery (e.g., ADME, chemical biology, formulation, structural biology, drug safety/toxicology, IP) 
• Experience working with CROs, consultants and academic partnerships
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• A team player who proactively and directly communicates and collaborates with other team members

Desirable

• Experience in CNS
• Experience of drug discovery in several target families

Salary & Benefits

• Full-time permanent position
• Competitive salary dependent on skills and prior experience
• Competitive benefits package
• Flexible working hours and opportunity to work from home

To Apply

Please contact Jamie Bilsland for further information and to apply:

jbilsland@astronautx.bio

Application deadline: 16^th June 2023