Director, Small Molecule Discovery
Southern Research, Chicago, IL, United States
Position: Director, Small Molecule Discovery
Location:
Birmingham, AL
Job Id: 4374
# of Openings: 1
Director, Small Molecule Discovery
Southern Research + You Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real‑world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.
General Summary Southern Research is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Small Molecule Discovery to provide strategic leadership and day‑to‑day oversight of internal and client drug discovery initiatives. The successful candidate will strategically oversee and actively contribute to innovative small molecule discovery projects, guiding programs concept to clinical candidate nomination and IND submission.
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and marketing plan to establish Southern Research’s Small Molecule Discovery Center as a world‑class, US‑based drug discovery service, capable of identifying novel treatments and advancing drug candidates.
Collaborate closely with Leaders and SMEs in Medicinal Chemistry, High‑Throughput Screening (HTS), and Preclinical Services to build robust internal capabilities, identify necessary external partnerships to fill critical gaps essential for successful drug discovery.
Drive scientific strategy, direction, and operational execution of small molecule drug discovery programs to align with overall organizational objectives for both commercial and government contracts.
Lead and expand artificial intelligence (AI)‑enabled drug discovery initiatives through strategic partnerships with external technology providers.
Interface and collaborate effectively with external clients, academic institutions, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) or Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to streamline drug discovery projects and foster productive scientific relationships.
Direct project management, including resource allocation, budgeting, timelines, risk assessment, and troubleshooting to ensure efficient progress and successful outcomes.
Maintain deep knowledge of competitive landscapes, industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory standards that influence drug discovery practices.
Secure market intelligence to competitively build programs of appropriate scope and price to win business.
Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and oversee intellectual property strategy, patenting, and related commercialization activities.
Actively participate in business development activities, supporting client identification and acquisition through strategic presentations and proposals to strengthen the center’s market position.
Support the growth and expansion of the Medicinal Chemistry department and its capabilities.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields. Strong preference for synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry background.
Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in a leadership role in pharmaceutical or biotech settings.
Demonstrated track record of successfully advancing small molecule programs to IND submissions.
Expert knowledge in medicinal chemistry, synthetic methodology, SAR, DMPK, and pharmacology.
Extensive experience interfacing and coordinating with external partners including CROs and clients.
Proven leadership and management skills, including the ability to mentor teams and develop talent.
Exceptional strategic thinking, project management, and problem‑solving capabilities.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory requirements and processes.
Experience with patenting, licensing, and intellectual property strategy.
Strong publication and patent record demonstrating success in drug discovery.
Core Values Cultivating human connection
– putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world’s most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of thought go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution
– measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity
– our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.
Stewarding a healthy community
– implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don’t compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.
Job Specific Behaviors Strategic Decision Making
– Obtains information and identifies key issues relevant to achieving a long‑range goal; commits to a course of action after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, constraints and resources.
Operational / Technical Excellence
- Ensures that work product (whether service or process) enables the organization to deliver on customer’s expectations.
Builds Strategic Relationships
- Uses appropriate interpersonal styles to work effectively with others to meet mutual goals and objectives; understands the role & interrelationships of each organizational function. Possess skill in managing across functional and organizational lines.
Communicates with Impact
- Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience.
Drives for Results
- Establishes stretch goals and manages to focused outcomes. Demands excellence. Demonstrates a strong commitment to organizational success; works to do what is best for all stakeholders.
Change Leadership
- Encourages others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
Builds and Maintains Winning Teamwork
- Creates a climate of teamwork to achieve objectives, taking advantage of our diversity; creates a sense of ownership and encourages individuals to stretch beyond their own capabilities.
Coaches / Develops Others
- Uses appropriate interpersonal style to guide direct reports to action.
Business Knowledge - Maintains external awareness of technology or business sectors; supplies knowledge of Institute’s culture, business processes and tools to achieve goals.
Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.
Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.
If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact humanresources@southernresearch.org immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.
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Location:
Birmingham, AL
Job Id: 4374
# of Openings: 1
Director, Small Molecule Discovery
Southern Research + You Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real‑world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.
General Summary Southern Research is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Small Molecule Discovery to provide strategic leadership and day‑to‑day oversight of internal and client drug discovery initiatives. The successful candidate will strategically oversee and actively contribute to innovative small molecule discovery projects, guiding programs concept to clinical candidate nomination and IND submission.
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and marketing plan to establish Southern Research’s Small Molecule Discovery Center as a world‑class, US‑based drug discovery service, capable of identifying novel treatments and advancing drug candidates.
Collaborate closely with Leaders and SMEs in Medicinal Chemistry, High‑Throughput Screening (HTS), and Preclinical Services to build robust internal capabilities, identify necessary external partnerships to fill critical gaps essential for successful drug discovery.
Drive scientific strategy, direction, and operational execution of small molecule drug discovery programs to align with overall organizational objectives for both commercial and government contracts.
Lead and expand artificial intelligence (AI)‑enabled drug discovery initiatives through strategic partnerships with external technology providers.
Interface and collaborate effectively with external clients, academic institutions, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) or Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to streamline drug discovery projects and foster productive scientific relationships.
Direct project management, including resource allocation, budgeting, timelines, risk assessment, and troubleshooting to ensure efficient progress and successful outcomes.
Maintain deep knowledge of competitive landscapes, industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory standards that influence drug discovery practices.
Secure market intelligence to competitively build programs of appropriate scope and price to win business.
Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and oversee intellectual property strategy, patenting, and related commercialization activities.
Actively participate in business development activities, supporting client identification and acquisition through strategic presentations and proposals to strengthen the center’s market position.
Support the growth and expansion of the Medicinal Chemistry department and its capabilities.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields. Strong preference for synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry background.
Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in a leadership role in pharmaceutical or biotech settings.
Demonstrated track record of successfully advancing small molecule programs to IND submissions.
Expert knowledge in medicinal chemistry, synthetic methodology, SAR, DMPK, and pharmacology.
Extensive experience interfacing and coordinating with external partners including CROs and clients.
Proven leadership and management skills, including the ability to mentor teams and develop talent.
Exceptional strategic thinking, project management, and problem‑solving capabilities.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory requirements and processes.
Experience with patenting, licensing, and intellectual property strategy.
Strong publication and patent record demonstrating success in drug discovery.
Core Values Cultivating human connection
– putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world’s most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of thought go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution
– measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity
– our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.
Stewarding a healthy community
– implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don’t compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.
Job Specific Behaviors Strategic Decision Making
– Obtains information and identifies key issues relevant to achieving a long‑range goal; commits to a course of action after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, constraints and resources.
Operational / Technical Excellence
- Ensures that work product (whether service or process) enables the organization to deliver on customer’s expectations.
Builds Strategic Relationships
- Uses appropriate interpersonal styles to work effectively with others to meet mutual goals and objectives; understands the role & interrelationships of each organizational function. Possess skill in managing across functional and organizational lines.
Communicates with Impact
- Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience.
Drives for Results
- Establishes stretch goals and manages to focused outcomes. Demands excellence. Demonstrates a strong commitment to organizational success; works to do what is best for all stakeholders.
Change Leadership
- Encourages others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
Builds and Maintains Winning Teamwork
- Creates a climate of teamwork to achieve objectives, taking advantage of our diversity; creates a sense of ownership and encourages individuals to stretch beyond their own capabilities.
Coaches / Develops Others
- Uses appropriate interpersonal style to guide direct reports to action.
Business Knowledge - Maintains external awareness of technology or business sectors; supplies knowledge of Institute’s culture, business processes and tools to achieve goals.
Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.
Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.
If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact humanresources@southernresearch.org immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.
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