Project Leader Drug Discovery (M/W)

The Project Leader (PL) is the scientific and strategic leader of oncology drug discovery programs, accountable for driving projects from early concept to Preclinical Candidate (PCC) nomination, in alignment with Oncology Therapeutic Area and R&D strategy.

Beyond candidate selection, the PL defines the project vision, clinical and translational hypothesis, differentiation strategy, and Target Drug Candidate Profile, ensuring strong patient relevance and competitive positioning. The role ensures a high-quality, data-driven and timely progression of oncology programs and a seamless transition to development and Asset Leadership after PCC.

As the integrator of oncology biology, medicinal chemistry, translational science and preclinical development, the PL fosters scientific excellence, collaboration and speed, with a clear focus on value creation for patients.

Governance & Organizational Positioning

• The Project Leader chairs and leads the cross-functional Core Team, acting as a dotted-line leader for team members.
• In close partnership with the Project Manager, the PL ensures coherence between scientific strategy, execution plans, timelines, resources and budget.
• The PL is accountable for scientific recommendations, Go/No-Go proposals, and risk-based decision-making within the governance framework.
• The role involves close interaction with internal stakeholders (Oncology TA leadership, Biology, Chemistry, Translational Sciences, Preclinical Development, CMC, IP) and, when relevant, representation of Servier in external scientific collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Scientific Leadership

• Lead oncology small molecule discovery programs from target identification and validation through PCC nomination.
• Define and drive the scientific and translational strategy, including clinical hypothesis, mechanism of action, differentiation, and positioning.
• Ensure scientific rigor, speed of execution, and alignment with Oncology TA priorities.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Integrate expertise across biology, medicinal chemistry, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, DMPK, translational sciences, biomarkers, clinical pharmacology, CMC and IP.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and transparent team culture in a matrix environment.
• Enable constructive scientific challenge and collective ownership of project outcomes.

Decision-Making, Risk & Governance

• Drive objective, data-driven decision-making, including scenario planning and risk anticipation.
• Prepare and present project milestones, strategy updates, and Go/No-Go recommendations to governance bodies.
• Proactively identify scientific, translational and competitive risks and define mitigation strategies.

Translational & Preclinical Strategy

• Lead the design of key mechanistic, pharmacology and translational studies supporting clinical relevance.
• Ensure robust biomarker strategies, patient stratification hypotheses, and combination approaches when relevant.
• Maintain strong focus on patient relevance and differentiation in competitive oncology landscapes.

External Innovation & Scientific Visibility

• Contribute to external opportunity assessment, scientific due diligence and in-licensing evaluations.
• Represent Servier in scientific interactions with academic, biotech or industrial partners and at selected congresses.

People & Culture

• Mentor and develop junior scientists and project team members.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, cooperation and urgency, including openness to emerging technologies and AI-enabled approaches.

Profile :

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell or Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• 7–10+ years of experience in oncology small molecule drug discovery within pharma or biotech environments.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional discovery programs from target validation to PCC nomination.
• Strong understanding of tumor biology, oncogenic pathways, translational research and preclinical development, with the ability to challenge experts and integrate diverse scientific inputs.
• Demonstrated leadership in matrix organizations, with excellent communication, influence and collaboration skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in an international and multicultural environment; fluency in English required.
• Interest in or experience with AI and digital tools as enablers of R&D acceleration is a plus.

Why Join Servier?

You will join a highly innovative oncology research environment where deep science meets patient impact. This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape and lead high-value oncology discovery assets.
• Influence strategic decisions at the interface of discovery and development.
• Collaborate with world-class experts across disciplines.
• Contribute directly to the development of therapies with the potential to transform patients’ lives.