About Our Client

Our client is an innovation-focused life sciences organization building a next-generation drug discovery platform in India. Backed by a strong scientific foundation in medicinal chemistry, computational drug discovery, and biology, the company is committed to developing high-quality, globally relevant NCE assets with solid intellectual property and partnering potential.

Job Description

- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the entire NCE drug discovery platform.
- Define portfolio strategy, prioritize programs, and drive progression from target identification through candidate selection.
- Integrate medicinal chemistry, biology, CADD/AI, DMPK, toxicology, intellectual property, and business development into a unified decision-making framework.
- Establish robust stage-gate governance processes covering discovery, validation, optimization, and preclinical development.
- Lead scientific reviews, challenge assumptions, and ensure resource allocation toward high-potential programs.
- Build strong collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, toxicology partners, pharmacology labs, IP advisors, and global scientific networks.
- Support licensing, partnering, and business development initiatives through compelling scientific storytelling and asset positioning.
- Drive patent strategy, translational research planning, and external partner readiness.
- Mentor and develop multidisciplinary scientific teams while fostering a culture of scientific excellence and execution.
- Strengthen the organization's reputation as a leading discovery-focused innovation platform.

The Successful Applicant

We're looking for someone who has:

- PhD or equivalent advanced qualification in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology,



Computational Chemistry, Translational Medicine, or a related discipline.
- 20-30 years of experience in small-molecule drug discovery within leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or discovery research organizations.
- Demonstrated success leading discovery programs from target identification through preclinical candidate nomination, IND-enabling studies, or external partnering.
- Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry, biology, DMPK, toxicology, translational science, and intellectual property strategy.
- Experience in portfolio management, scientific governance, and stage-gate decision making.
- Strong exposure to licensing, due diligence, collaborations, and business development activities.
- Proven leadership experience building and managing cross-functional scientific teams.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage scientists, investors, partners, and board-level stakeholders.
- Experience working with globally recognized discovery organizations, biotech companies, CROs, or pharmaceutical innovators will be highly preferred.

What's on Offer

- Opportunity to lead and shape a high-potential NCE drug discovery platform from the ground up.
- Significant influence over scientific strategy, portfolio decisions, and long-term organizational growth.
- Exposure to global partnerships, licensing opportunities, and cutting-edge drug discovery technologies.
- Chance to build a lasting scientific legacy through the creation of novel therapeutic assets.
- Highly visible leadership position with direct interaction with the Board and key industry stakeholders.
- Competitive executive compensation package with substantial long-term growth potential.

If this role fits your experience, you can apply for the role.

📌 CEO / President - NCE Drug Discovery | Pune
🏢 Michael Page
📍 Pune