Position Overview: The Director of Drug Discovery in Neuropsychiatry will lead and oversee the drug discovery initiatives focused on neuro-psychiatric disorders. This individual will be responsible for driving innovative research strategies, managing interdisciplinary teams, and guiding the discovery and early development of novel therapeutics. The role requires deep expertise in neurobiology, psychiatric disorders, and drug discovery processes, with a focus on translating scientific insights into clinical candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement a comprehensive drug discovery strategy for neuro-psychiatric disorders, aligning with the company’s broader R&D goals.

Identify and prioritize novel targets and therapeutic approaches based on scientific advancements and unmet medical needs in the neuro-psychiatric space.

Project Management:

Oversee multiple drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization and candidate selection.
Ensure timely progression of projects by managing resources, setting milestones, and adjusting strategies as needed.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and clinical development to drive program success.

Scientific Excellence:

Lead the identification and validation of new drug targets within neuro-psychiatry.
Guide the design and execution of high-quality experiments to assess the pharmacological potential of new compounds.
Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in neuro-psychiatry, applying this knowledge to drive innovative approaches.

Collaboration and Networking:

Establish and maintain strong relationships with external collaborators, academic institutions, and industry partners to enhance the drug discovery pipeline.
Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and through publications.

Regulatory and Compliance:

Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory guidelines and company policies.
Prepare and review documentation for IND/NDA submissions as required.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related field, with significant post-doctoral research experience.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in drug discovery in industry, with a focus on neuro-psychiatry.
Proven track record of leading successful drug discovery programs, from target identification to IND enablings.
Deep understanding of neuro-psychiatric disorders, neurobiology, and related pharmacological principles.
Experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and collaborating with cross-functional groups.
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable drug discovery strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with clinical translation and early development stages.
Strong publication record and/or patents in the field of neuro-psychiatry.
Experience with external collaborations and managing partnerships.