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  • Location: Poitiers
  • Salary: Competitive Salary
  • Job Type:Permanent

Posted 1 day ago

  • Sector: Scientific Development
  • Contact: Georgie Lamberth
  • Contact Email: georgie.lamberth@nextphaserecruitment.com
  • Contact Phone: 1403216216
  • Start Date: ASAP
​I am currently looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Hit Discovery to lead early-stage discovery programs and high-throughput screening (HTS) operations.
You’ll act as both a scientific leader and a strategic partner to clients — designing tailored hit identification campaigns, overseeing their execution, and ensuring top-tier quality and delivery.
This is a unique opportunity for a scientist with strong leadership, client-facing, and technical skills to shape the success of multiple discovery programs across diverse therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific & Project Leadership
  • Lead the design, planning, and delivery of hit discovery and screening projects for clients.
  • Serve as the main scientific contact, ensuring goals are aligned and results are clearly communicated.
  • Translate client objectives into practical, high-impact scientific strategies.
  • Present data and outcomes to clients using appropriate tools and visualisation software.
High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Management
  • Oversee all aspects of HTS campaigns, from assay setup to data analysis and reporting.
  • Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research assistants.
  • Ensure screening operations meet timelines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage and optimise automated screening platforms and laboratory robotics in collaboration with engineering teams.
  • Drive process improvement, innovation, and technology investment to maintain cutting-edge capabilities.
Operational Excellence
  • Contribute to the management and strategic development of compound libraries.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Ensure compliance with quality management systems and promote best scientific practices.
About You
  • PhD or MSc in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field.
  • Proven experience leading hit discovery, screening, or early-stage drug discovery projects.
  • Strong background in high-throughput screening and assay development.
  • Experience with laboratory automation and data analysis platforms (e.g. GeneData Screener or equivalent).
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and client engagement skills.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to balance scientific depth and operational efficiency.