Chief Scientist, Modern Drug Discovery

About the role

IQVIA Discovery Sciences is looking for a Chief Scientist, Modern Drug Discovery, to shape its scientific vision for the next generation of drug discovery services. This is a high-impact leadership role for a recognised discovery expert who combines scientific excellence with a passion for AI-enabled innovation, computational science, automation and translational biology. The position is based in Cambridge.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a forward-looking scientific strategy aligned to evolving client and industry needs.
• Drive the adoption of AI-assisted design, predictive modelling, automation, computational sciences and translational approaches.
• Provide scientific leadership across a diverse discovery portfolio, ensuring excellence, rigour and translational relevance.
• Support strategic client engagements, proposals, partnerships and business growth opportunities.
• Act as a senior scientific ambassador with clients, collaborators and industry stakeholders.
• Mentor and inspire multidisciplinary teams across biology, chemistry, protein design, pharmacology, translational and computational sciences.

Required profile

• PhD or DPhil in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience (10+ years) in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven success advancing discovery programmes from concept through to clinic.
• Strong expertise in translational biology and pharmacology with a strong track record in at least one major therapeutic modality.
• Experience applying AI, computational approaches and data-driven decision-making within discovery settings.
• A collaborative leader who combines scientific credibility with commercial awareness and client focus.
• Experience in CRO environments is an advantage but not essential.