Director, Cheminformatics - Modeling & Informatics
About The Position
The Director, Cheminformatics will lead cheminformatics and data science innovation to amplify pipeline impact across the discovery organization. The role guides development and application of capabilities that support decision-making throughout drug discovery, translating scientific questions into scalable data architectures, workflows, and algorithmic innovations that can be deployed across programs. The Director leads a multi-site team of cheminformatics and data science professionals and fosters talent development, inclusion, and collaboration. They partner with stakeholders in chemistry, biology, IT, and other scientific functions to embed solutions into the DMTA cycle, make effective use of research IT platforms, and advance a data-fluent culture. The position also contributes to cross-functional and cross-divisional data science strategy and identifies opportunities to provide scalable support across the discovery portfolio.
Requirements
- PhD and 7+ years of professional experience applying computational and data science approaches to interdisciplinary scientific problems in drug discovery; or MS and 9+ years; or BS and 13+ years.
- At least 2 years of managerial experience, with demonstrated strength in team building, talent development, and inclusive leadership.
- Experience designing and implementing modern computational workflows, including coding best practices, cloud-based systems, and MLOps/DataOps approaches.
- Strong understanding of cheminformatics, data analytics, and data engineering in early drug discovery.
- Experience enabling predictive modeling and advanced analytical approaches in a collaborative, matrixed environment.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and influence strategy across scientific and technical domains.
- Experience engaging effectively with IT organizations to co-develop scalable platforms.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including translating complex technical concepts into actionable solutions.
- BS, MS, or PhD in cheminformatics, bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, statistics, computational chemistry, computational biology, data science, AI/ML, computer science, mathematics, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or a related STEM field.
Responsibilities
- Set the vision and strategy for cheminformatics capabilities and platforms that accelerate scientific learning and decision-making in drug discovery.
- Lead a multi-site team of cheminformatics and data science specialists across data engineering, analytics, and scientific software development.
- Develop talent, foster diversity of thought, and build an inclusive culture that engages and empowers team members.
- Engage stakeholders across drug discovery, from early target identification and chemical biology through lead optimization and safety, to understand needs and enable impactful solutions.
- Translate scientific challenges into scalable data architectures, workflows, and algorithmic approaches that can be leveraged across multiple projects.
- Drive development of next-generation cheminformatics workflows by integrating modern technologies, including machine learning, knowledge graphs, and emerging AI approaches.
- Ensure capabilities are effectively deployed and adopted in collaboration with project teams and modeling partners.
- Build and maintain partnerships with IT to co-develop robust, sustainable platforms for scientific workflows.
- Balance strategic investment in new capabilities with effective use of existing solutions to maximize organizational value.
- Collaborate with leaders in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Quantitative Biology, and Modeling to align data science strategy and priorities.
- Contribute to cross-divisional alignment on the role of data science and informatics.
- Work with Modeling, Structure, and Biophysics leadership to identify opportunities for cheminformatics to enhance modeling and discovery efforts.
- Maintain visibility across the discovery portfolio to identify emerging needs and opportunities for scalable cheminformatics support.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
- Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
- Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- Domestic relocation available.
- Visa sponsorship available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
