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What does a director of drug discovery do?

A Director of Drug Discovery leads and manages teams responsible for identifying and developing new pharmaceutical compounds. They oversee the entire drug discovery process, including target identification, lead optimization, and preclinical testing. Their role often involves setting research priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing budgets, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Additionally, they work closely with other leaders to align scientific goals with business objectives and may interact with external partners or stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of drug discovery?

To excel as a Director of Drug Discovery, you need deep expertise in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and drug development, typically supported by a PhD in a relevant scientific field and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with drug discovery platforms, high-throughput screening systems, and regulatory requirements is essential, and certification in project management can be beneficial. Leadership, strategic vision, and strong collaboration skills are crucial for guiding multidisciplinary teams and advancing projects. These competencies ensure effective pipeline management, innovation, and successful progression of drug candidates from concept to clinical development.

What are the primary challenges faced by a director of drug discovery in managing cross-functional research teams?

A Director of Drug Discovery often manages multidisciplinary teams comprising chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and data scientists. One of the main challenges is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these diverse expertise areas to align on project goals and timelines. Balancing scientific innovation with regulatory requirements and resource constraints is also critical. Additionally, prioritizing projects based on pipeline needs while motivating and developing team members is essential for success in this leadership role.
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Director Drug Discovery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Drug Discovery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Director, Head of Drug Discovery

Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$191 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Head of Drug Discovery

Full Time San Diego, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1350

Salary Range: $191,000.00 To $250,000.00 Annually

Director / Senior Director: Drug Discovery & Target Identification (LNP-mRNA Platform / "Drug Hunter")

SUMMARY

We are seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and proven “Drug Hunter” at the Director or Senior Director level to join our Translational Biology team and lead the Target Identification and Drug Discovery efforts. The successful candidate will drive the expansion of our proprietary Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP)-mRNA nucleic acid delivery platform, specifically optimizing it for the delivery of therapeutic proteins to treat a broad range of human diseases. In this role, you will be responsible for the development of target ID and discovery strategies, managing a robust Discovery portfolio for therapeutic targets as we aggressively expand our franchise. The candidate will lead the prioritization of therapeutic targets based on scientific rationale, drug ability, medical need, risk, and competitive landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Team Leadership & Strategy: Lead a high-performing team to identify and interrogate novel target pathways, enriching the company pipeline and developing innovative research plans to validate targets.
  • Platform Scaling: Drive the expansion of our established discovery platform from rare disease targets into broader, more common disease indications.
  • Advanced Technology Integration: Leverage next-generation technologies, deep biostatistics, and cutting-edge AI applications to identify drug candidates and manage complex digital workflows.
  • Preclinical Development: Formulate clear biological hypotheses, identify preclinical models that accurately represent target patient populations, and successfully advance projects toward clinical development.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner across the full spectrum of development activities and project teams to advance ground-breaking, LNP-mRNA-based new drug candidates.
  • Stakeholder & Program Management: Cultivate strong internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, utilizing excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to orchestrate realistic, efficient program plans.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Education & Experience: PhD with 12–15+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a heavy emphasis on drug target ID, validation, and preclinical discovery drug development.
  • Track Record: Proven track record as a “Drug Hunter” leading discovery teams involved in identifying, validating, and successfully advancing novel drug targets/modalities into clinical development.
  • Advanced Tech & AI: Deep familiarity with next-generation technologies to identify drug candidates and a clear track record of applying AI applications to drug development.
  • Data & Computational Literacy: Proficient computer skills paired with a deep understanding of biostatistics to drive high-throughput screening analysis and predictive modeling.
  • Portfolio Management: Deep understanding of drug development, competitive landscapes, and experience managing a Discovery portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas (including rare and non-rare/common diseases).
  • Pharmacology Expertise: Strong understanding of classical pharmacological principles and the drug discovery process, with the ability to support the assessment of potency and efficacy and contribute to predictions of human efficacy.
  • In Vito/In Vivo Modeling: Extensive experience with animal models of disease, as well as the design and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate drug candidates and explore novel therapeutic hypotheses.
  • Translational Biomarkers: Experience utilizing pharmacodynamic endpoints, such as translational biomarkers or in vivo imaging, to guide program progression.
  • Innovation & Tech: Ability to investigate, select, and/or develop new methods and technologies for project advancement and monitor workflows to enable seamless execution of studies.
  • Matrix Leadership: Experience managing pharmacology and discovery research in a matrixed environment and establishing high-impact external academic and industry collaborations.
  • Strategic Communication: Demonstrated ability to translate overarching strategy into action; excellent analytical skills and an ability to communicate complex biological issues in a simple way to mitigate risks.
  • Platform Alignment: Experience in mRNA therapeutics, RNA-based medicines, or LNP delivery platforms is highly preferred.
  • Core Attributes: Strong sense of urgency, initiative, ethics/integrity, and innovation, alongside excellent presentation and oral/written communication skills.
WHAT WE OFFER

An exciting opportunity to join a company that offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

  • Full range of health benefits, including Medical, Dental & Vision, with options for
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Competitive salaries and bonus plans, plus equity via Stock Options
  • Free variety of snacks and beverages
  • Health and Wellness programs
  • $100 Anniversary cash awards with opportunity to increase to $2000!
  • Company-sponsored FUN events

Arcturus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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