Director of Protein Science and Structural Biology

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Background

Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation based in the UK and Canada with its headquarters in Nottingham and additional facilities in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Glasgow, Montreal and Quebec City. Its staff of over 1,000, which includes 900 scientists, partners with global pharma, biotech and NFP organisations.

Since 2004, Sygnature Discovery has delivered over 40 novel pre-clinical and 22 clinical compounds, with its scientists named on over 170 patents. Therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fibrotic diseases and more. To find out more, please visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, this role plays a crucial leadership role in the leadership of Sygnature's Protein Science and Structural Biology department. The role is responsible for key decision making, the delivery of scientific excellence, the overall strategic direction of the department, and driving the performance of a group of 51 scientists based in Macclesfield, UK. It is anticipated that this role will expand to include global leadership of the wider function over time. This position requires a combination of scientific expertise, leadership, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of how protein science contributes to drug discovery.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide strong leadership to Protein Science and Structural Biology department fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Work with the senior leadership team to identify areas for scientific focus and development and commercial opportunities.
• Strategic oversight of recruitment, training and mentoring of employees within the department to support the development of high-performing individuals and teams.
• Set clear scientific and commercial goals and performance expectations for the department, ensuring accountability is taken at all levels.

Business Growth

• Identify opportunities for new business, partnerships, and market penetration.
• Establish and nurture relationships with clients, partners and other stakeholders alongside key internal individuals.
• Work closely with business development within Protein Science and the wider Sygnature Commercial team and to identify and pursue new business opportunities, participating in client meetings, proposals, and negotiating contracts as applicable.

Communication and Collaboration

• Effectively communicate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, research and development teams, and external collaborators.
• Collaboration and communication with the Canadian protein science team to deliver on the departmental strategy. This includes the co-delivery of key projects, sharing of best practice, research and expertise.
• Collaborate with external partners, academic institutions etc. to enhance protein science research capabilities.

Professional Development

• Stay current with advancements in protein science and structural biology, attending conferences, workshops, and networking within the scientific community.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development across the department.

Key Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biochemistry, chemistry) or equivalent extensive and relevant industry experience.
• Extensive experience in protein science and structural biology research, with a proven track record of successful management and delivery to a portfolio of clients and/or projects within pharma or a CRO environment.
• Strong leadership skills with previous experience developing and leading high-performing scientific teams in a multidisciplinary, matrix environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to understand market dynamics, competitive landscape and business drivers is desirable.
• A collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across many diverse organisations externally as well as functions internally.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to the overall research and development strategy of the organisation.

Benefits

Here at Sygnature Discovery, we take pride in offering an excellent training and benefits package. As a valued employee, you will be entitled to:

- 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays, and buy/sell scheme

- Private Medical Insurance

- Life Insurance

- Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders

- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

- Sygnature Group Pension Scheme

- 1 paid volunteer day per year

- A host of flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle

Why Sygnature Discovery

At Sygnature Discovery, we embody excellence in everything we do. From pioneering research to ground-breaking discoveries, we set the standard for scientific innovation. But it's collaboration that truly defines us. Across continents and disciplines, we unite to solve complex challenges, driven by a shared passion for improving lives worldwide.

We understand the importance of creating a work environment that empowers you to thrive. That's why we have fostered a culture of collaboration and support, providing pathways for both professional and personal development. This includes a diverse range of bespoke training and development designed to accelerate both your personal and career growth.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion throughout our organisation. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, family or parental status, beliefs, nationalities and religions. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where all our colleagues feel empowered to bring their true selves to work.

If you're interested in joining a company that places people at the heart of its business, please submit your application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@sygnaturediscovery.com. Please do not submit your application to this email address.

For more information on life at Sygnature Discovery, visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com/careers