Senior Director, Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery Services

Job Introduction
Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery
Location: Hoddesdon, UK
Company: Pharmaron

About the Role
Pharmaron is seeking an exceptional Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery to lead and evolve our DMPK capability within the Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group.

The Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group at Pharmaron is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for our client partners. The team comprises scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK and translational science. Combined with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding through to IND filing. Working closely with our partners we define strategy, coordinate execution across teams and with an AI enabled accelerated Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles support the progression of projects and innovative medicines towards the clinic.

This is a high-impact leadership role at the forefront of multi-modality drug discovery, where you will shape strategy, drive scientific excellence, and deliver client programmes from target identification through to IND. Working across a global, AI-enabled platform, you’ll help accelerate innovative medicines towards the clinic.

The Opportunity
You will:

• Define and deliver the DMPK vision and strategy aligned to Pharmaron’s global drug discovery ambitions
• Provide expert DMPK, ADME and PK/PD leadership across a diverse portfolio of client programmes
• Lead and grow a high-performing team of DMPK scientists, ensuring capability across small molecules and other modalities (e.g. degraders, ADCs, peptides)
• Play a critical role in integrated projects, driving decision-making and delivering clear milestones from hit finding to IND
• Represent Pharmaron externally, building strong client partnerships and scientific reputation
• Contribute to the adoption of AI and computational tools to enhance Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycles
• Develop new scientific capabilities and commercial offerings, strengthening Pharmaron’s position as a leading CRO partner

Key Responsibilities

• Lead DMPK strategy across integrated drug discovery projects
• Manage team performance, resourcing and hiring to support growth
• Deliver scientific leadership on client programmes with a focus on quality, speed and probability of success
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across modelling, in vitro ADME, in vivo PK, pharmacology, formulation development, clinical teams
• Contribute to proposal development and business growth
• Act as a senior voice within global Pharmaron DMPK leadership

About You
Qualifications & Experience

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
• 15+ years’ experience in a DMPK leadership role within drug discovery
• Proven track record of progressing compounds through preclinical milestones
• Experience of working across multiple modalities beyond traditional small molecules for example degraders, peptides, ADCs, antibodies
• Strong leadership experience in matrixed, multi-disciplinary environments

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep expertise in DMPK, PK/PD and translational science
• Track record of implementing drug discovery strategy and new technologies
• Familiarity and have a passion for computational/AI approaches in drug discovery
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing capability

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
• Clear, confident decision-maker with high scientific credibility and strong publication record
• Collaborative and influential across global teams
• Enthusiastic about innovation, talent development and scientific excellence

Why Join Pharmaron?

• Be part of a global, industry leading integrated drug discovery organisation with ability to shape future scientific and business direction
• Work on cutting-edge multi-modality programmes
• Influence strategy, science and growth at a senior leadership level
• Join a collaborative environment focused on innovation, quality and impact

Apply Now
If you’re a DMPK leader ready to shape the future of drug discovery in a fast-growing, global CRO environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that this advert will remain open until 12 July. We encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis during this period.