Senior Director, head of Medicinal Chemistry and ADME

Black Swans Exist
Title: Senior Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry and ADME
Location: Glostrup, Denmark
On behalf of our client, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative ion channel modulators for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, we are seeking an experienced Senior Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry and ADME. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional with extensive small molecule drug discovery expertise.
About the Company:
Our client is headquartered in Glostrup and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Small Cap. To support the rapid development of their research and development programs, they are looking for a highly motivated and experienced medicinal chemist to lead the Chemistry and ADME department.
Job Description:
As the Senior Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry and ADME, you will lead a team of currently three scientists and two laboratory technicians in the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel compounds, as well as oversee external CRO activities. Additionally, you will supervise ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) activities to ensure the development of safe and effective drugs.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage a team of in-house medicinal chemists and ADME scientists, as well as oversee external chemistry activities.
Supervise multiple medicinal chemistry projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and resource allocations to meet project objectives.
Collaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams, including in vitro biology, in vivo pharmacology, and preclinical and clinical development.
Participate in cross-functional discovery and development projects with external partners.
Oversee innovation from a chemistry perspective.
Mentor and develop junior scientists, fostering their growth and development.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field within small molecules.
10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Experience with outsourcing wet-lab small molecule chemistry to CROs.
Extensive experience in cross-functional project teams.
Proven track record in all stages of small molecule drug discovery, from hit-to-lead to candidate selection, preferably within CNS.
Strong knowledge of ADME principles and techniques.
Preferably experience with process optimization.
Understanding and/or experience with computational/AI techniques is desirable.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
If you are an experienced Senior Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry and ADME looking for an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate within a dynamic biotech environment, we encourage you to apply.

Per Christensen
Managing Director & Co-founder
Per is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Black Swans Exist, a role he has held since the company's inception in June 2020. Based in Copenhagen, Per brings a visionary approach to the business, helping companies discover rare, high-impact talent, or "Black Swans," that drive extraordinary performance.
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