Head of Chemistry | Targeted Protein Degradation

China Permanent RMB1,800,000 - RMB2,200,000 per year View Job Description
Lead Chemistry for a cutting-edge biotech advancing targeted protein degradation and molecular glue discoveryShape an integrated chemistry and AI-enabled drug discovery platform with significant scientific and strategic influence
  • Advancing targeted protein degradation and molecular glue discovery
  • Shape an integrated chemistry and AI-enabled drug discovery platform

About Our Client



Our client is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics through targeted protein degradation (TPD) and molecular glue discovery.

The company combines deep capabilities in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and computational/AI-enabled technologies to identify differentiated therapeutic opportunities and accelerate the discovery of novel drug candidates.

As the organization continues to strengthen its discovery platform and pipeline, it is seeking an accomplished VP Chemistry to provide scientific leadership across chemistry and play a critical role in advancing programs from early discovery toward development.

Job Description



Reporting to senior leadership, the VP Chemistry will provide strategic and scientific leadership for the company's chemistry organization and discovery portfolio.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Lead the medicinal chemistry and discovery chemistry strategy across multiple drug discovery programs.
  • Provide scientific leadership in the discovery and optimization of targeted protein degraders, molecular glues and other novel small-molecule modalities.
  • Drive programs from hit identification and lead generation through lead optimization and development candidate selection.
  • Establish high scientific standards for compound design, SAR strategy, DMPK-driven optimization and candidate selection.
  • Work closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, structural biology, computational chemistry and translational teams to advance differentiated drug candidates.
  • Partner with AI, computational and data science teams to integrate data-driven approaches into compound design and discovery decision-making.
  • Build, mentor and develop a high-performing chemistry organization while fostering scientific innovation and strong cross-functional collaboration.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, platforms and external innovation opportunities relevant to TPD, molecular glues and next-generation drug discovery.
  • Represent chemistry in portfolio discussions and provide senior leadership with recommendations on scientific strategy, program prioritization and investment decisions.
  • Engage with external scientific collaborators, CROs, academic partners and potential strategic partners where appropriate.

The Successful Applicant

  • PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
  • Significant industry experience in small-molecule drug discovery, ideally gained within global pharmaceutical, biotechnology or innovative drug discovery organization.
  • Deep expertise in medicinal chemistry and molecule design, with a strong track record of advancing programs through discovery and candidate selection.
  • Strong experience in targeted protein degradation, with direct exposure to PROTACs, molecular glues or related induced-proximity approaches highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the unique chemistry and drug-design challenges associated with protein degradation.
  • Experience leveraging computational chemistry and/or AI-enabled drug discovery technologies to accelerate molecule design and optimization.
  • Proven track record of scientific innovation, ideally demonstrated through successful drug discovery programs, development candidates, patents and/or high-impact publications.
  • Strong leadership experience with the ability to build, inspire and develop high-calibre chemistry teams.
  • Ability to operate effectively at both a strategic and hands-on scientific level, challenging hypotheses and influencing critical discovery decisions.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary and international teams.



What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to take a senior scientific leadership position within an innovative biotechnology company operating at the forefront of targeted protein degradation.
  • Significant influence over the company's chemistry strategy, discovery platform and future pipeline.
  • Opportunity to combine medicinal chemistry with AI-enabled drug discovery.
  • Exposure to highly innovative therapeutic modalities including molecular glues and next-generation protein degraders.
  • Entrepreneurial and science-driven environment offering substantial scope to build teams, capabilities and new discovery programs.
  • Competitive executive compensation package and long-term incentives.



Contact
Maria Karp
Quote job ref
JN-052026-7020988
Phone number
+8621 6026 8139

Job summary

Function
Life Sciences
Specialisation
Biotechnology
What is your area of specialisation?
Healthcare / Pharmaceutical
Location
China
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Maria Karp
Consultant phone
+8621 6026 8139
Job Reference
JN-052026-7020988

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.