Global Head of Computer Aided Drug Design - Belgium/UK - UCB S.A. - Braine-l'Alleud

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At UCB, our people are our experiences and achievements, our passion and drive. That’s why we’re looking for talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences - not just the best and brightest, but those who care about making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. We promote an environment of diversity, openness, and respect where people can make valuable contributions.

An exciting journey lies ahead. Will you join us in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible?

To strengthen our Computer-Aided Drug Design team within Discovery Science, we are looking for a talented individual to fill the position of Global Head of CADD. The role can be based in either Slough, UK or Braine, Belgium.

Role overview

We are seeking a recognized scientific leader who provides proactive and positive scientific leadership to CADD and project teams. Accountable for CADD delivery and impact on Discovery Projects. Influential member of GCLT (Global Chemistry Leadership Team) and DSLT (Discovery Science Leadership Team) helping to drive Discovery Science strategy and capabilities.

Who will lead the implementation of new CADD technologies/strategic initiatives within Discovery Science to deliver clinical candidates. Sets and achieves challenging goals for self and team. Acts as a role model for the group, showing strong scientific leadership and innovation by promoting high creativity, quality scientific judgment and operational excellence.

Able to communicate, formally and informally, strategic plans for areas of work both upwards and downwards, with a sphere of influence beyond director level. Provides inspirational people leadership to CADD group, creates an innovative environment by mentoring junior members of staff, and is readily accessible for advice and guidance. Actively manages group performance, providing recognition, constructive feedback, direction and corrective measures where required. Proactively identifies and supports development needs of group members and consults with Human Resources.

Presence beyond project level – impact outside of own project/area of expertise. Ambassador for Early Solutions across UCB and externally.

Primary responsibilities

Lead and advance projects to critical decision-making milestones in a timely manner, with strategic input from Target Validation to Candidate Selection and beyond.

Building and enhancing the appropriate Data Science culture that enables CADD to deliver meaningful insights into molecule discovery and design.

Delivers tangible Project outcomes through functional excellence, strong internal cross-functional interactions and key external collaborations.

Drives the introduction, development and application of novel technologies/working practices which deliver significant improvements to the lead optimisation/drug discovery process.

Sets high standards in own discipline, for quality of science and delivery. Consulted and recognized as a scientific expert/innovator, willing to express views on scientific and strategic topics. Promote a culture of scientific excellence through constructive challenge while providing viable alternatives. Promotes an entrepreneur culture with high standard of performance and a sense of urgency for pipeline delivery

Instrumental in the development of Discovery Science scientific vision & strategy and overall UCB Drug Discovery capabilities.

Proactively help to drive a strong Portfolio of novel targets and projects for disease intervention.

Proactively contributes to problem solving and scientific cross-fertilisation of the laboratories beyond the immediate area of project and functional responsibility.

Fosters a culture conducive to Key Talent development.

Inspirational leadership and management, leading by example and motivating teams with vision, integrity, flexibility, passion and forthright/clear communication.

Strong networker, influencer and communicator within and outside Early Solutions/UCB. Acts as an ambassador for UCB in the scientific community.

Supports and drives change across the organization

Technical capabilities

Bring timely and relevant perspective on new scientific/technological advances and integrates these into Early Solutions vision & strategy to drive tangible deliverables. Translate conceptual insights into workable solutions.

Lead strategic planning for development of new innovative technologies and drug discovery programmes. Able to convince senior management to commit significant investment to new technologies and lead their implementation.

Looks for synergies inside and outside the organization to create value for UCB and patients

Demonstrates deep and detailed knowledge of UCB and competitor IP and licensing environment. Proactively identifies external opportunities and supports in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities.

Track record of taking intelligent risks, sense of urgency and tenacity in the prosecution of project goals. Demonstrates courage in decision making and a willingness to be held accountable for decisions.

Strong networker, influencer and communicator within and outside the Organization.

Essential requirements

Experience: Recognised international expert in the field of Drug Design, Discovery and Development with strong track record of delivery.

Education: BSc/MSc/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Chemistry/Natural Sciences).

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About us.

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 7,600 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

At UCB, everything we do start with a simple question: “How will this create value for people living with severe disease?”. We are on a journey to become the patient-preferred biopharma leader by delivering medicines and solutions that improve lives. We want to ensure the creation of patient value, now and into the future, while contributing to a society where a population of 8 billion people and more should be able to live a good life within limited resources of one planet.

UCB and its subsidiaries encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity.