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