Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation. By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Since inception, we have worked with almost 300 partners, supporting companies to raise over £1.2bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery. Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey. The values of the Catapult are: Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence. Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other. Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other. Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work. Role purpose: With a deep understanding of drug discovery and the Life Sciences sector, the Head of VR&D will lead national initiatives supporting innovation across the UK, helping innovators to thrive. They will lead strategies for the Catapult to assist our partner organisations to more successfully transition their assets towards the clinic and technologies to market. They will lead a team of experienced drug discovery experts, providing insight, advice, and collaboration to advance decision making on partner drug discovery projects. They will support MDC to grow income streams by driving new collaborations with MDC’s lab-based capabilities, provide drug discovery expertise to the sector, and identify and qualify investment opportunities for MDC’s investment programme. This is a high-profile role requiring drug discovery science, strategic insights, commercial drive and national reach. The candidate will be expected to build deep collaborations with a range of organisations across the sector. Main duties and responsibilities: To establish and manage an experienced team of drug discovery experts Partnership Development - build strong relationships across life sciences ecosystems, including academia, industry, charities, funders, investors and clinicians Deal Sourcing: actively identify high-potential investment opportunities within life sciences. Network Building: Leverage networks to access a pipeline of innovative early-stage companies. Due Diligence & Analysis: Lead technical due diligence to support MDC’s investment programme – ensuring access to internal expertise and external if required Support early client discussions guiding and influencing our customer’s thinking and strategy on how they progress their programs - in designing bespoke customer programmes, create opportunities for MDC lab services driving revenue generation into MDC. Maintain a view of MDCs collaborative project portfolio to understand each client company’s strategy, pain points, and opportunities for MDC Investment Programme. Plan the delivery of the VR&D portfolio ensuring MDC employ the best available skills and that an industry leading network of specialists is available for key programme decisions where needed. Qualifications and Experience A highly experienced practitioner of drug discovery respected in the UK and internationally. Business development experience gained in a life sciences organisation, in a business/commercial or scientific role. Strong, broad understanding across the life science sector – able to understand, review and analyse start-up business ideas. Expertise in performing technical evaluators to support investment decisions A strong track record of driving successful collaborations within and between organisations in a technical drug discovery environment. A wide network across drug discovery organisations Ability to influence teams both internally and externally to deliver a common agenda. Experience of managing teams of professional staff. Ability to organise and plan own work and line manage effectively. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to ensure effective communication with a wide range of contacts. Demonstration of the ability to work under sustained pressure and to tight deadlines. Ability to work on own initiative and to develop new partnerships. Closing date: 31st March 2025 Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.