VP Drug Discovery

About Us

Micrographia Bio is a therapeutically driven spatial proteomic pathways company with a mission to deliver a new era of drug discovery. We have developed a proprietary technology platform which combines high-resolution imaging and AI-driven analysis to develop an exciting new approach to spatial proteomics for drug discovery.

At Micrographia Bio we pride ourselves on being a diverse, fun, and exciting place to work. Our world-class team includes experts in molecular biology, chemistry, physics, machine learning and visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to delivering a new era of drug discovery. The nature of our work is frequently described as the holy grail but, if like us, you're driven by the challenge to prove that there is a better way to do drug discovery, then join us.

The Role and Your Impact

We are looking to appoint a visionary, hands-on VP Drug Discovery to initiate and drive the development and execution of our inaugural internal drug discovery pipeline, ensuring the integration of our AI-powered platform. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the bleeding edge of AI and Biology as a disruptive approach to drug discovery. You alone will have access to a proprietary data generation engine combined with world class machine learning capabilities to execute your drug discovery pipeline.

As VP Drug Discovery, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in the next phase of our Company by developing our pipeline from discovery through IND, working closely with the senior leadership team and the SAB. You will build and execute a strategy to develop our internal asset pipeline at MGB encompassing target selection, screening strategies and compound progression through to IND.

The ideal candidate will be a drug discovery expert with a progressive and strategic mindset who can manage seamless integration between our spatial proteomic platform technology and CRO support. We are looking for a candidate who delights in interaction with investors and pharma, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Dependent on the candidate profile, we would be open to considering the title of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). This is a desired in-person role in central London, UK; however hybrid can be considered for the right person.

Responsibilities

The VP Drug Discovery is a leadership role with responsibility in both setting the strategic scientific direction of the Company and managing a high performance team to further our mission.

• Scientific Leadership:
• Drive the development and execution of an internal pipeline strategy from target selection to IND
• Hire and lead a world class discovery team
• Manage a seamless integration between MGB's spatial proteomic platform technology and CRO support
• Identify and collaborate with our CROs and execute projects in early target discovery through to IND
• Support the development and execution of BD partnership packages with biotech/pharma
• Identify and mitigate key scientific risks that could impact the Company's operational and financial performance
• Work closely with our CEO and CTO to build our data-moat as well as composition of matter IP

• Strategic Leadership:
• Play a key leadership role in setting strategy, guiding scientific operations, and ensuring alignment with our mission
• Support and advise the CEO, CTO, and Board, providing scientific guidance and industry insights
• Generate and present fundraising materials and establish credibility with investors and biotech/pharma partners

Requirements

Must Haves

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or closely related field
• 10+ years in the drug discovery industry (biotech/pharma) managing projects from idea through to development candidate nomination to Ph1+
• Strong track record in managing cost-effective CRO projects
• A strong network within the biotech and pharma industry, including relationships with CROs and key industry leaders
• Experience leading and executing pharma partnership programs and BD
• Experience in scaling scientific R&D organisations
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, regulatory requirements, and compliance frameworks in the biotech sector
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• A natural leader who excels at managing teams, motivating them to achieve their best, and has the ability to engage and influence at the highest level

Bonus Points

• Experience as a VP Discovery or similar in a venture-backed biotech/techbio company
• Understanding of spatial omics, advanced imaging or AI/ML in biology
• Expertise in signalling pathways and GPCRs
• Experience in generating and presenting fundraising materials

Dependent on candidate profile, we would consider a consultancy/interim arrangement for the first 6-9 months. This can also be completed on a fractional basis in person or hybrid.

Hiring Process and Next Steps

We envision the hiring process as follows:

1. Introductory meeting with the CEO
2. Introductory meeting with the CTO
3. Meetings with key members of our Scientific Advisory Board and key VC representatives
4. Final meeting and team visit

At Micrographia Bio we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which a variety of backgrounds thrive. We're a team of c.20 with over 50% women and represent 13+ nationalities. We do not tolerate discrimination.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary, benchmarked against industry standards
• Meaningful equity package
• Ability to apply your experience to making medicines that matter with the most cutting edge AI-enabled spatial proteomics platform to truly investigate mechanism of action at scale