Head of Structural Biophysics & Protein Sciences Pole of Activity

Servier

Gif-sur-Yvette, France

Are you a visionary scientific leader ready to turn structural insights into life-changing medicines? We are looking for a world-class Drug Hunter to serve as our PA Director (Pole of Activity). In this pivotal role, you will leverage cutting-edge technologies to deliver decisional data to research projects, leading a high-performing team to conquer "undruggable" targets and redefine the future of our drug discovery pipeline. The PA Director serves as a pivotal scientific leader, responsible for defining the department’s vision and integrating structural and biophysical insights directly into the drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities:

Define and execute the scientific strategy for of the Pole of Activity, ensuring alignment with the broader Unit goals and the R&D vision, to discover and develop high therapeutic value drugs for patients.
Leverage structural biology (X-ray, Cryo-EM, NMR) and biophysical assays (SPR, ITC, MST) to solve critical bottlenecks in Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization phases.
Champion the adoption of cutting-edge technologies (e.g., AI/ML in protein design, fragment-based drug discovery, cryo-EM workflows) to maintain a competitive edge.
Optimize the allocation of internal resources and external CRO partnerships to maximize productivity and operational efficiency.
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of 20 scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and innovation.
Ensure appropriate planning, mobilization and focalization of resources to reply to projects demands.
Guarantee the scientific quality of performed studies and applications of regulation and internal standards by collaborators.
Ensure the safety and development (training, flexibility) of collaborators and recruitment of key talents.
Collaborate seamlessly with the Functional Genomics & Proteomics leadership to validate targets and elucidate mechanism-of-action (MoA). Ensure structural data informs biological context and vice versa.
Interact proactively with different teams, inside and outside the unit, in a multidisciplinary environment, to develop innovative solutions for drug discovery, bringing drug hunting expertise.
Ensure an efficient internal and external communication (reports, publications, conferences…).

Profile:

PhD degree with post-doctoral experience and at least 10 years of experience gained in a pharmaceutical company, with a recognized expertise in Structural Biology/Biophysics applied to drug discovery.
"Drug Hunter" Track Record: demonstrated success in delivering development candidates (DCs) into the clinic. You must be able to point to specific molecules where your structural insights were the key differentiator in the design process.
Mastery of modern structural biology techniques (Cryo-EM is a must; X-ray crystallography) and a strong command of biophysical characterization methods (SPR, BLI, ITC, thermal shift assays).
Extensive knowledge of recombinant protein expression systems (mammalian, insect, bacterial) and purification strategies for difficult-to-drug targets (e.g., membrane proteins, large complexes).
Ability to speak the language of medicinal chemists. You must understand SAR (Structure-Activity Relationships) deeply and be able to guide design cycles based on structural data.
Solid experience in designing and executing fragment screening campaigns.
Ability to integrate computational chemistry and molecular dynamics knowledge into the wet-lab workflow.
Strong leadership/managerial competencies and experience leading multidisciplinary teams of scientists in a drug discovery organization.
Ability to see the "big picture" of the portfolio while maintaining rigorous attention to the quality of data generated at the bench.
A collaborative mindset that rejects silos. You must actively seek synergy with the Genomics and Proteomics PA in the unit and work transversally with other Research teams.
Capability to communicate complex scientific risks and opportunities to decision-making committees clearly and persuasively.
Capacity to inspire, lead, and develop a team of scientists within a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Ability to navigate the inevitable failures of discovery with a solution-oriented mindset, pivoting strategies quickly when science dictates.