Director, Discovery Chemistry

Missions:

• Discovery Chemistry Leadership
  ✓ Lead and expand the discovery chemistry function, setting strategic priorities for antibiotic discovery programs
  ✓ Oversee compound design, synthesis, SAR development, and optimization to balance potency, safety, PK/PD, and developability
  ✓ Oversee project management across discovery programs, ensuring clear objectives, realistic timelines, and resource allocation to drive compounds from design through preclinical milestones
  ✓ Monitor project planning, proactively identifying risks, adjusting priorities, and communicating progress and decisions to leadership and external partners
  ✓ Provide scientific leadership and mentoring for the chemistry team
  ✓ Define the correct structure for discovery chemistry activities between in-house capabilities versus external sourcing
  ✓ Manage internal and external resources (CROs, academic collaborators, strategic partners)
  ✓ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (biology, DMPK, pharmacology, clinical) to deliver high-quality candidates
  • Scientific Evaluation & Strategic Innovation
    ✓ Play a key role in defining company strategy and direction within the AUROBAC leadership team
    ✓ Stay strongly engaged with advances in antibiotic drug discovery, resistance mechanisms, medicinal chemistry and computer-aided discovery methodologies
    ✓ Contribute to publications, patents, and represent the company at scientific conferences

   

  Personal skills:

  – Strong demonstrable leadership and scientific skills
  – Innovative and visionary problem-solver
  – Strong in both strategic thinking and day-to-day execution to achieve operational excellence
  – Excellent communication skills, both internally and with external partners
  – Fluency in English is a must-have, French language skills would be a major plus

   

  Professional Experience:

  – PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field
  – 12+ years of experience in drug discovery, with a focus on anti-infectives/antibiotics strongly preferred
  – Proven success in advancing compounds from hit to lead to development candidate
  – Strong knowledge of antibacterial pharmacology, resistance mechanisms, and Gram-negative penetration challenges
  – Experience with managing and growing high-performing scientific teams
  – Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners

   

  To apply, please send your CV and cover letter application to jobs@aurobac-tx.com mentioning the reference ATX25-09.

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  2025.10.03 ATX25-09 Job Ad Dir Disc Chem