About Company
o2h discovery is a multi-award-winning integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation (CRO), headquartered at The Mill SciTech Park, Cambridge, UK, with a world-class research centre in Ahmedabad, India, with over 800+ scientists across synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, in vitro biology, DMPK, ADME, PK studies, peptide synthesis, and IND-enabling capabilities.
Founded in 2005 and part of the o2h group, our DNA is centered on seeding new ideas in life science and technology — co-investing, co-creating, and co-executing with our partners. Alongside o2h Ventures (early-stage life science investment) and o2h co-work labs (Cambridge incubation hub), we offer a uniquely integrated innovation ecosystem spanning discovery, capital, and incubation.
About the Role
At o2h Discovery, you will play a critical leadership role in driving scientific excellence, client success, and team development within our discovery platform. This position is responsible for leading a group of scientists, delivering high-quality chemistry solutions to global collaborators, and contributing to the growth of the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 15-25 scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Drive the successful execution of multiple medicinal chemistry and discovery chemistry programs, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines, quality standards, and project objectives.
- Act as a primary scientific interface for international collaborators, independently managing technical discussions, project reviews, and routine client communications.
- Provide strategic scientific direction, troubleshoot complex chemistry challenges.
- Plan and optimize resource allocation across projects to ensure efficient utilization of people, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution, timely delivery, and exceptional client outcomes.
- Ensure adherence to o2h quality systems, laboratory safety standards & documentation practices.
- Support talent development through coaching, performance feedback, technical training, and succession planning within the team.
- Contribute to business growth by supporting proposal preparation, project scoping, and scientific discussions with prospective collaborators.
- Champion innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives across scientific processes.
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Typically 12+ years of relevant industrial experience in drug discovery/ contract research environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and managing complex client-facing projects.
- Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, problem-solving, and project leadership.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to build high-performing teams and deliver results in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
