Senior Director, Head of DMPK, Drug Discovery Services

Job IntroductionHead of DMPK, Drug DiscoveryLocation: Hoddesdon, UK Company: PharmaronAbout the RolePharmaron 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 OpportunityYou will:Define and deliver the DMPK vision and strategy aligned to Pharmaron’s global drug discovery ambitionsProvide expert DMPK, ADME and PK/PD leadership across a diverse portfolio of client programmesLead 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 INDRepresent Pharmaron externally, building strong client partnerships and scientific reputationContribute to the adoption of AI and computational tools to enhance Design–Make–Test–Analyse cyclesDevelop new scientific capabilities and commercial offerings, strengthening Pharmaron’s position as a leading CRO partnerKey ResponsibilitiesLead DMPK strategy across integrated drug discovery projectsManage team performance, resourcing and hiring to support growthDeliver scientific leadership on client programmes with a focus on quality, speed and probability of successDrive cross-functional collaboration across modelling, in vitro ADME, in vivo PK, pharmacology, formulation development, clinical teamsContribute to proposal development and business growthAct as a senior voice within global Pharmaron DMPK leadershipAbout YouQualifications & ExperiencePhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline15+ years’ experience in a DMPK leadership role within drug discoveryProven track record of progressing compounds through preclinical milestonesExperience of working across multiple modalities  beyond traditional small molecules for example degraders, peptides, ADCs, antibodiesStrong leadership experience in matrixed, multi-disciplinary environmentsKnowledge & SkillsDeep expertise in DMPK, PK/PD and translational scienceTrack record of implementing drug discovery strategy and new technologies Familiarity and have a passion for  computational/AI approaches in drug discoveryExcellent stakeholder management and client-facing capabilityLeadership AttributesStrategic thinker with strong commercial awarenessClear, confident decision-maker with high scientific credibility and strong publication recordCollaborative and influential across global teamsEnthusiastic about innovation, talent development and scientific excellenceWhy Join Pharmaron?Be part of a global, industry leading  integrated drug discovery organisation with ability to shape future scientific and business directionWork on cutting-edge multi-modality programmesInfluence strategy, science and growth at a senior leadership levelJoin a collaborative environment focused on innovation, quality and impactApply NowIf 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. Salary Competitive Frequency Annual Job Reference ukpharmaron/TP/142/690 Contract Type Permanent Contract Closing Date No expiry date Job Category Scientific (DMPK) Division Drug Discovery Location Hoddesdon, United Kingdom Posted on 12 June, 2026