We’re seeking a Director/Senior Director of In Vitro Biology and Molecular
Pharmacology to join us in our mission to transform the discovery of novel
therapeutics.
Schrödinger has pioneered a physics-based software platform that enables
discovery of high-quality, novel molecules for drug development and materials
applications more rapidly and at lower cost compared to traditional methods. The
software platform is used by biopharmaceutical and industrial companies,
academic institutions, and government laboratories around the world. Our
multidisciplinary drug discovery team also leverages the software platform to
advance collaborative programs and its own pipeline of novel therapeutics to
address unmet medical needs.
As a senior member of our Therapeutics Group, you’ll direct strategy and
execution across a pipeline of small molecule drug discovery programs, with a
particular focus on undrugged targets, novel modalities, and novel hit finding
approaches. By setting the vision for IVB/MP capabilities, driving
pipeline-level decisions, and managing a high-performing team, you will shape
pipeline and program strategy while maintaining scientific depth.
Who will love this job:
* An experienced drug hunter with hands-on experience across several hit
finding modalities, including DEL, fragment screening, HTS/MTS, and
chemoproteomics
* A seasoned in vitro biologist and molecular pharmacologist with a track
record of developing assays and prosecuting programs against
difficult-to-drug targets
* A portfolio-level thinker with a broad strategic view who enjoys remaining
scientifically close to individual programs
* A leader with a passion for managing cross-disciplinary teams and developing
talent
* An excellent scientific communicator who is comfortable presenting and
defending innovative strategies to senior leadership
What you’ll do:
* Set the strategic direction for In Vitro Biology across the Therapeutics
Group portfolio, and represent the function on governance bodies covering
portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and Go/No-Go decisions
* Assess target tractability and risk during target selection, and define the
assay cascade needed to advance a target from hit identification through
Development Candidate selection
* Spearhead the organization wide hit finding strategy, collaborating across
functions to design and execute screening campaigns across DEL,
fragment-based, HTS/MTS, and chemoproteomic platforms, focusing on novel
methods for undrugged targets
* Provide scientific oversight across multiple programs, including challenging
target classes such as protein–protein interactions, undrugged targets, and
degrader programs
* Tackle complex in vitro biology and molecular pharmacology challenges
including resolving difficult challenges like biochemical-to-cellular
disconnects and in vitro to in vivo translatability
* Act as the IVB project lead when needed, guiding timelines and strategy in
close partnership with medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and
structural biology leads
* Lead and develop the In Vitro Biology and Molecular Pharmacology team,
mentoring direct reports and building a culture of scientific rigor and
collaboration
* Own the CRO strategy for In Vitro Biology, including partner selection,
budget and FTE planning, quarterly reviews, KPI accountability, and
remediation of performance issues
* Identify capability gaps and drive investment in new technologies and
platforms, and feed practical, assay-driven requirements back into
Schrödinger's platform and data infrastructure
What you should have:
* PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Cell Biology
or a related discipline
* At least ten years of industry experience in drug discovery, including
leadership experience
* Experience leading in vitro biology teams and managing direct reports
* Demonstrated background with developing assays and prosecuting programs
against undrugged targets
* Significant experience across multiple hit finding modalities (DEL, fragment
screening, HTS/MTS, chemoproteomics) and a track record of advancing hits for
challenging target classes
* Deep expertise in biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assay design
* Strong experience managing strategic CRO partnerships, including governance,
budgets and FTE planning
We’d prefer to hire someone with:
* Understanding of protein degrader biology (PROTACs, molecular glues) and
associated assay formats
* Familiarity with data platforms such as LiveDesign
* Experience contributing to organizational strategy and governance committees
* Experience designing and interpreting in vivo PK/PD and efficacy studies
Pay and perks:
Schrödinger understands it’s people that make a company great. Because of this,
we’re prepared to offer a competitive salary, stock options, and a wide range of
benefits that include healthcare (with dental and vision), a 401k, pre-tax
commuter benefits, a flexible work schedule, and a parental leave program. We
have a company culture that is relaxed but engaged, and over a month of paid
vacation time. New York is home to our largest office, but we have teams all
over the world. Schrödinger is honored to have been selected as one of Crain's
New York Best Places to Work for the past three years running.
Estimated base salary range: $195,000 - $300,000. Actual compensation package is
dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education,
degrees held, market data, and business needs. If you have any questions
regarding the compensation for this role, do not hesitate to reach out to a
member of our Strategic Growth team.
Sound exciting? Apply today and join us!
As an equal opportunity employer, Schrödinger hires outstanding individuals into
every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of
engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the
company's mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment
where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin,
alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver
status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression,
sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. To us, "diversity"
isn't just a buzzword, but an important element of our core principles and key
business practices. We believe that diverse companies innovate better and think
more creatively than homogenous ones because they take into account a wide range
of viewpoints. For us, greater diversity doesn't mean better headlines or public
images - it means increased adaptability and profitability.