Senior Director Molecular Modalities Capabilities

Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage, Upper Providence
Posted Date: Jun 3 2024

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next 10 years. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease. Science and technology are coming together in a way they never have before, and we have strong tech-enabled capabilities that allow us to build a deeper understanding of the patient, human biology and disease mechanisms, and transform medical discovery. We are revolutionising the way we do R&D. We're uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

The Senior Director of Molecular Modalities Capabilities will be responsible for leading a team of experts in providing high throughput chemistry automation, analytical chemistry including chromatography, high throughput purification, characterization, and physical properties determination to accelerate small molecule drug discovery. This team will partner with teams across MMD to drive the digital drug discovery ambitions of GSK along with project impact for GSK's chemistry portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drug discovery, with a focus on automation and small molecule capabilities, a proven track record of success in leading cross-functional teams along with a vision for using high throughput experimentation to drive predictive models for drug discovery.

The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Automation and Small Molecule Capabilities organization and how it can contribute to GSK drug discovery platforms and digital ambitions.
• Manage and oversee the development and implementation of high throughput chemistry automation, high throughput purification, characterization, and physical properties determination capabilities to drive project impact and accelerate small molecule drug discovery
• Collaborate with leaders in the organization to ensure alignment and integration of high throughput experimentation, automation and small molecule capabilities with other functions, including medicinal chemistry, molecular design, pharmacology, toxicology, and ADME
• Manage relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, CROs, and other industry partners
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, and ensure that the organization is developing and retaining top talent
• Collaboration across the organization to help GSK meet its goals and objectives, and is delivering high-quality, novel small molecule drug candidates
• Focus on innovation and capability development to insure the teams capabilities are on the leading edge

• PhD in Chemistry or related field, with extensive experience in drug discovery, including experience leading cross-functional teams
• Strong background in automation and small molecule capabilities, with a track record of success in accelerating small molecule drug discovery through automated chemistry and purification.
• Experience with high throughput chemistry automation, high throughput purification, characterization, and physical properties determination
• Strong understanding of the drug discovery process, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and ADME
• Experience and appreciation for how high throughput experimentation can drive value in drug discovery
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams
• Proven developer of talent and high performing teams
• Team player and willing collaborator
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex scientific and business challenges

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of Pharma R&D, people, structure, decision-making processes, business objectives and strategy.
• Experience of working in challenging business environments with senior managers and line leadership/executive teams.
• Integrity in business and personnel confidentiality.
• A strong sense of initiative, urgency, pragmatism, judgment – an ability to make things happen.
• Consistent attention to detail, ability to deliver to demanding deadlines whilst maintaining the highest quality.

#LI-GSK*

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it's also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

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