Job Description

Receptor.AI is seeking an accomplished scientific and project leader to join our executive team as Head of Drug Discovery. This role is critical for advancing our discovery projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and driving scientific and operational excellence across the organization.
Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the company’s drug discovery platform, provide leadership іn all stages of preclinical drug discovery.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of client projects, ensuring quality, transparency, and effective communication.
• Lead and supervise teams in medicinal chemistry, biology, and computational sciences.
• Integrate advanced methodologies, including computational design, AI/ML, and automation, into discovery workflows.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory developments to maintain a competitive discovery strategy.
• Manage resource allocation, project prioritization, and governance to meet scientific and operational milestones, including preclinical candidate nomination and IND-enabling studies.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, and industry partners. Represent the company in scientific forums and partner meetings.
• Collaborate with computational chemistry and AI/ML groups to apply predictive modeling, molecular dynamics, and multi-omics data.
• Direct hit identification and lead optimization activities, including HTS, fragment-based discovery, structure-based design, ADMET, and virtual screening.
• Oversee optimization of lead series with respect to potency, selectivity, PK/PD properties, and developability.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational/Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in drug discovery.
• Documented record of leading discovery projects from hit identification through lead optimization, with advancement of molecules toward clinical development.
• Experience applying AI/ML approaches in drug discovery projects.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Strong communication skills with experience representing organizations in external collaborations.
• Combination of scientific expertise, strategic vision, and business acumen.

Why Join Us

The Head of Drug Discovery will play a key role in defining the scientific direction of Receptor.AI and ensuring the delivery of discovery programs that support the company’s growth objectives.

Applications should be submitted via LinkedIn or sent directly to olha.nadiievets@receptor.ai