Director, Discovery Chemistry

**PRESENTATION OF THE COMPANY**

AUROBAC THERAPEUTICS is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2022 by three highly renowned life sciences innovation companies, Boehringer Ingelheim, Evotec and bioMérieux.

With strong growth ahead, within an international environment, the company is now looking for a Director of Discovery Chemistry.

**DESCRIPTION**

You will report to the CSO and work closely with the executive team to develop and implement scientific strategies and plans, as well as ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

**MISSIONS**

**Discovery Chemistry Leadership**
- Lead and expand the discovery chemistry function, setting strategic priorities for antibiotic discovery programs
- Oversee compound design, synthesis, SAR development, and optimization to balance potency, safety, PK/PD, and developability
- Oversee project management across discovery programs, ensuring clear objectives, realistic timelines, and resource allocation to drive compounds from design through preclinical milestones
- Monitor project planning, proactively identifying risks, adjusting priorities, and communicating progress and decisions to leadership and external partners
- Provide scientific leadership and mentoring for the chemistry team
- Define the correct structure for discovery chemistry activities between in-house capabilities versus external sourcing
- Manage internal and external resources (CROs, academic collaborators, strategic partners)

**Scientific Evaluation & Strategic Innovation**
- Play a key role in defining company strategy and direction within the AUROBAC leadership team
- Stay strongly engaged with advances in antibiotic drug discovery, resistance mechanisms, medicinal chemistry and computer-aided discovery methodologies
- Contribute to publications, patents, and represent the company at scientific conferences

**PERSONAL SKILLS**
- Strong demonstrable leadership and scientific skills
- Innovative and visionary problem-solver
- Strong in both strategic thinking and day-to-day execution to achieve operational excellence
- Excellent communication skills, both internally and with external partners
- Fluency in English is a must-have, French language skills would be a major plus

**PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE**
- PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field
- 12+ years of experience in drug discovery, with a focus on anti-infectives/antibiotics strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of antibacterial pharmacology, resistance mechanisms, and Gram-negative penetration challenges
- Experience with managing and growing high-performing scientific teams
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent
Status: Cadre

Pay: From 80,000.00€ per year

**Education**:

- Doctorate (required)

**Experience**:

- drug discovery: 10 years (required)

**Language**:

- English (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in 69007 Lyon