Director, Head of Protein Sciences

About This Role

Directing the Protein Sciences strategy for a pharmaceutical company is the core of this leadership role, driving portfolio progression by delivering high-quality protein reagents, target-enabling solutions, and scientific insights for discovery programs. The role suits a leader with deep scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and operational excellence who can build a high-performing scientific organization.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a Protein Sciences strategy that maximizes impact across the discovery portfolio through efficient delivery of target-enabling proteins, scientific solutions, and resource deployment
• Accountable for the overall performance, portfolio impact, scientific excellence, and organizational effectiveness of the Protein Sciences function
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to influence discovery strategies, address target-enabling challenges, and ensure Protein Sciences resources are deployed against highest-value portfolio opportunities
• Drive scientific innovation and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI/ML-enabled approaches, protein engineering, and next-generation protein production platforms to support emerging target classes and future portfolio needs
• Manage project intake and lead functional resource planning and prioritization to ensure effective support across the portfolio
• Manage external collaborations and CRO partnerships to augment capabilities and accelerate project delivery
• Balance short-term portfolio needs with long-term capability building and technology investments
• Build external awareness of emerging scientific approaches and evaluate opportunities for scientific collaboration
• Provide scientific leadership and oversight to ensure delivery of high-quality protein reagents and scientific data that support project advancement
• Lead teams in addressing complex scientific problems and developing innovative, fit-for-purpose solutions that advance discovery programs
• Foster scientific rigor, innovation, and data-driven decision-making across the department
• Represent Protein Sciences as a key scientific partner on cross-functional discovery teams
• Establish and maintain external scientific relationships to ensure awareness and adoption of innovative technologies and best practices
• Build and lead a high-performing Protein Sciences organization that consistently delivers high-quality outcomes, develops talent, and contributes measurably to portfolio success
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Develop future scientific and people leaders through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning
• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships that accelerate progression of the programs and improve organizational effectiveness