Senior Director of Discovery Pharmacology

Engitix Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company dedicated to unlocking extracellular matrix biology to develop transformative therapeutics in fibrosis and oncology. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Director of Discovery Pharmacology to lead the progression of small molecule and biologic drug candidates from early discovery through IND-enabling studies.
This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role, responsible for guiding discovery teams and shaping the scientific direction of our preclinical portfolio. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of advancing programs from target validation to IND submission, ideally in areas such as inflammation, fibrosis, and solid tumors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership to discovery-stage programs, driving execution from hit identification through candidate nomination and IND submission for both biologics and small molecules.
• Develop and oversee robust in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology strategies using relevant preclinical models of inflammation, fibrosis, and solid tumors to support target validation, efficacy profiling, and translational alignment; including establishment of a new internal in vivo capability.
• Lead cross-functional discovery teams, including scientists and functional leads across in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, toxicology, translational biology, and external partners.
• Serve as a key contributor to program design and decision-making, identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies across target validation, pharmacology, PK/PD, toxicology, and other IND-enabling disciplines.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with internal teams (e.g., biology, translational science) and external CROs and academic partners to enable rapid progression of programs.
• Oversee the preparation and review of preclinical regulatory documents, including IND submissions, pre-IND briefing packages, and investigator brochures.
• Support strategic evaluation of new targets and therapeutic opportunities, including contributions to target validation strategies in alignment with corporate priorities.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of program milestones.
• Serve as a senior scientific leader within Engitix, contributing to portfolio strategy and mentoring scientific talent across the organization.

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Immunology, Oncology, Cell Biology, or related field with 10+ years of experience in drug discovery and preclinical development within biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing small molecule and/or biologic drug candidates from early discovery through to IND.
• Deep expertise in preclinical pharmacology, including hands-on knowledge of relevant in vivo models ofinflammation, fibrosis, and oncology.  Experience of running an in vivo group under 3R’s UK Home office framework would be advantageous.
• Comprehensive understanding of IND-enabling studies, including pharmacology, PK/PD, toxicology, and regulatory strategy.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional discovery teams and managing other leaders, with strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Successful track record of working with and managing external partners, including CROs and academic collaborators.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across scientific and executive teams.
• Experience in ECM biology or related therapeutic areas is a plus.

• Be part of a motivated, dynamic and diverse team supporting cutting edge drug discovery 
• State of the art offices and laboratories at the Westworks, White City
• Competitive reward package including private medical insurance, bonus, pension, and much more!