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CEO / President - NCE Drug Discovery | Pune

Pune Permanent View Job Description
This is a rare opportunity to lead an emerging drug discovery organization focused on developing patentable, differentiated, and partner-ready New Chemical Entity (NCE) assets. The role combines scientific leadership, portfolio strategy, business development, and organization building to create a world-class discovery engine from early hypothesis through asset creation and partnering.
  • Lead a cutting-edge NCE discovery platform
  • Build and scale a world-class drug pipeline

About Our Client

Our client is an innovation-focused life sciences organization building a next-generation drug discovery platform in India. Backed by a strong scientific foundation in medicinal chemistry, computational drug discovery, and biology, the company is committed to developing high-quality, globally relevant NCE assets with strong intellectual property and partnering potential.

Job Description

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for the entire NCE drug discovery platform.
  • Define portfolio strategy, prioritize programs, and drive progression from target identification through candidate selection.
  • Integrate medicinal chemistry, biology, CADD/AI, DMPK, toxicology, intellectual property, and business development into a unified decision-making framework.
  • Establish robust stage-gate governance processes covering discovery, validation, optimization, and preclinical development.
  • Lead scientific reviews, challenge assumptions, and ensure resource allocation toward high-potential programs.
  • Build strong collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, toxicology partners, pharmacology labs, IP advisors, and global scientific networks.
  • Support licensing, partnering, and business development initiatives through compelling scientific storytelling and asset positioning.
  • Drive patent strategy, translational research planning, and external partner readiness.
  • Mentor and develop multidisciplinary scientific teams while fostering a culture of scientific excellence and execution.
  • Strengthen the organization's reputation as a leading discovery-focused innovation platform.



The Successful Applicant

We're looking for someone who has:

  • PhD or equivalent advanced qualification in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Computational Chemistry, Translational Medicine, or a related discipline.
  • 20-30 years of experience in small-molecule drug discovery within leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or discovery research organizations.
  • Demonstrated success leading discovery programs from target identification through preclinical candidate nomination, IND-enabling studies, or external partnering.
  • Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry, biology, DMPK, toxicology, translational science, and intellectual property strategy.
  • Experience in portfolio management, scientific governance, and stage-gate decision making.
  • Strong exposure to licensing, due diligence, collaborations, and business development activities.
  • Proven leadership experience building and managing cross-functional scientific teams.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage scientists, investors, partners, and board-level stakeholders.
  • Experience working with globally recognized discovery organizations, biotech companies, CROs, or pharmaceutical innovators will be highly preferred.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to lead and shape a high-potential NCE drug discovery platform from the ground up.
  • Significant influence over scientific strategy, portfolio decisions, and long-term organizational growth.
  • Exposure to global partnerships, licensing opportunities, and cutting-edge drug discovery technologies.
  • Chance to build a lasting scientific legacy through the creation of novel therapeutic assets.
  • Highly visible leadership position with direct interaction with the Board and key industry stakeholders.
  • Competitive executive compensation package with substantial long-term growth potential.



If this role fits your experience, you can apply for the role.

Quote job ref
JN-102026-7134445

Job summary

Function
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Sub Sector
General Manager
What is your area of specialisation?
Healthcare / Pharmaceutical
Location
Pune
Job Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-102026-7134445

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.