The Head of Discovery Chemistry is a senior scientific and strategic leadership role responsible for driving excellence in small‑molecule drug discovery across EDDC’s portfolio. This role provides overarching leadership for the Discovery Chemistry function, encompassing Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Peptide Chemistry (ADC), and serves as a critical bridge between scientific innovation and EDDC’s portfolio and translational strategy.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Functional Heads, Integrated Project Team Leaders, and Asset Development Leaders, the Head of Discovery Chemistry ensures the effective progression of discovery programmes from early ideation through lead optimisation and candidate nomination. The role also plays a key part in shaping EDDC’s external engagement strategy, partnering with Business Development on collaborations, scientific due diligence, and interactions with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for small‑molecule drug discovery programmes in close partnership with Discovery Biology and other core functions.
• Provide scientific and operational leadership across all chemistry activities within EDDC programmes, including compound design, synthesis strategy, medicinal chemistry optimisation, and intellectual property considerations.
• Oversee and strategically manage external CRO engagements to ensure scientific quality, operational efficiency, and alignment with programme objectives.
• Partner with Business Development and Alliance Management to support external collaborations, partnering opportunities, and scientific due diligence activities.
• Manage the annual Discovery Chemistry budget and associated work plans to ensure optimal resource allocation and delivery against organisational priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientists across the Discovery Chemistry function, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative, and innovative culture.
• Ensure full compliance with EDDC policies and standards, including electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) usage, data integrity, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Shape future directions in small‑molecule drug discovery by identifying and championing new scientific, technological, and innovation initiatives.
• Represent EDDC externally through scientific publications, journal peer review, and participation in key appointments or leadership roles within A*STAR and the wider scientific community.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant drug discovery experience, preferably including significant industry exposure.
• Demonstrated track record of progressing compounds through the discovery pipeline, including delivery of high‑quality leads and/or development candidates.
• Broad understanding of drug discovery beyond chemistry, enabling effective scientific leadership and strategic input within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Deep domain expertise in chemistry, including organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry, with the credibility to lead both strategic discussions and hands‑on scientific direction.