Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist / Scientist – Drug Discovery

📍 Ghent, Belgium

We are looking for a Senior Scientist / Scientist with strong, hands-on industry drug discovery experience to help drive projects from early discovery into late-stage execution.

This is a highly operational role, focused on real-world drug discovery delivery rather than theoretical or academic research.

About the Role

You will play a key role in transitioning programs from screening-focused discovery into late-stage discovery execution, supporting and driving:

• Follow-up biology
• Hit-to-Lead
• Lead Optimization
• Project progression toward development

You will run and manage discovery projects, including:

• Designing and executing experiments
• Interpreting complex data sets
• Leading and guiding technicians
• Translating discovery data into clear progression strategies

Key Expertise Required

• Small molecule drug discovery
• Protein degraders / targeted protein degradation (PROTACs)
• Proven experience across:
• Hit discovery campaigns
• Hit-to-Lead programs
• Lead optimization programs

Profile

• PhD-level scientist
• 5–10 years total experience in drug discovery
• Industry pharma or biotech discovery experience is essential
• Academic-only profiles will not be considered
• Demonstrated hands-on involvement in real discovery programs
• Clear exposure to project progression and moving programs forward
• Strong understanding of practical discovery bottlenecks and how to overcome them

What We’re Looking For

• Scientists who have actively driven projects, not just supported them peripherally
• A pragmatic, execution-focused mindset
• Experience turning discovery data into actionable project decisions