Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

We are seeking a senior-level Program Head with a strong innovation mindset and leadership track record in New Chemical Entity (NCE) drug discovery. This role is central to driving our AI-first discovery strategy, coordinating cross-functional programs, and unlocking scientific breakthroughs using modern AI and computational platforms. The ideal candidate will combine domain depth with execution capability to build and scale a world-class discovery pipeline.

Reporting To:

Chief Executive Officer, Regent Lifesciences FZCO

Desired Candidate Profile

Strategy & Leadership

Lead innovation-focused drug discovery programs from target selection to IND-enabling stages
Identify and priorities novel targets, scaffold classes, and therapeutic modalities with first-in-class or best-in-class potential
Set vision and goals for the discovery portfolio in alignment with CEO and Board expectations
Drive adoption of AI tools like Chemistry42, & Schrödinger and integrated AI platforms to improve quality and speed of R&D output
Foster a culture of data-driven decision making and agile experimentation

Program Execution

Own the program lifecycle: concept design, feasibility, planning, milestone tracking, decision reviews
Manage interdisciplinary coordination across medicinal chemistry, computational sciences, toxicology, and CMC teams
Ensure timely progression of NCE programs through Go/No-Go checkpoints with clear rationale
Use real-time data analytics and predictive models to guide molecule selection and prioritization
Present program updates and technical reviews to internal leadership and external stakeholders as needed

Innovation & Capability Building

Explore new platforms, targets, or modalities (e.g. PROTACs, RNA-modifying agents, novel scaffolds) to diversify the discovery engine
Identify gaps in current tools or methods and champion adoption of emerging technologies (e.g. transformer-based generators, ML-driven toxicity predictors)
Mentor high-potential scientists and build an innovation-focused research culture
Interface with global collaborators, startups, and technology providers to bring the best ideas into Gold lake's R&D ecosystem

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Biology or related field
10+ years of experience in drug discovery, with at least 3–5 years in program or portfolio leadership roles
Proven track record of advancing NCEs from ideation to preclinical stage or IND submission
Familiarity with AI platforms such as Chemistry42, REINVENT, ADMET lab, and Schrödinger suite is strongly preferred
Hands-on experience in integrating computational, medicinal chemistry, and biology workflows
Prior exposure to leading innovation or transformation projects in R&D is a strong advantage

Key Attributes:

Strong innovation mindset with strategic vision
Highly execution-focused and detail-oriented
Comfortable with ambiguity and experimental iteration
Natural cross-functional collaborator and decision-maker
Curious, digitally fluent, and entrepreneurial in approach

Program Head – NCE Discovery Dubai, United Arab Emirates REGENT LIFESCIENCES FZCO