Drive the evolution of the industry’s most advanced automated platform for macrocycle drug discovery
This is your chance tolead the chemistry engine of a company that is at the forefront of macrocycle innovation by
- Shaping the future of an entirely new modality: oral macrocycles.
- Having ownership of the chemistry engine that converts MedChem, CompChem and AI-driven ideas into high-quality macrocycle assets at unmatched speed.
- Leading a synthesis platform that is patented, highly automated, and unmatched in the industry.
- Building and expand a world-class team.
- Becoming a key member of the R&D leadership team with direct impact on pipeline creation.
- Joining a company backed by world-leading life sciences investors and driven by scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
About the role
Orbis is now seeking a visionary VP Platform Chemistry to lead, expand, and continuously innovate the automated macrocycle chemistry engine.
This is a role for a scientific and operational leader who thrives at the intersection of automation, chemistry innovation, platform engineering, and cross-functional drug discovery. You will set the strategic direction for the chemistry platform, ensure world-class execution, and drive scientific breakthroughs that unlock the full potential of macrocycles as an oral modality.
As VP Platform Chemistry, you will be the strategic and scientific leader responsible for the design,
development, and scaling of Orbis’ automated macrocycle synthesis platform.
Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the long-term roadmap for the nCycle chemistry platform, including automation, workflows, building-block strategies, library design, and integration with AI/ML-driven design engines.
- Drive innovation to ensure the platform remains at the cutting edge —new chemistries, new reaction formats, new automation modules, new cycle types, orthogonal purification strategies, etc
- Partner closely with AI/Computational Design and Screening Biology to ensure seamless end-to-end DMTA cycles
Platform Ownership
- Oversee the automated synthesis infrastructure, from robotic hardware to digital workflows and data capture
- Ensure robust, reproducible, and scalable synthesis of macrocycle libraries for hit identification and hit to lead optimization
- Expand and curate the building-block universe feeding nCycle, ensuring chemical diversity, manufacturability, and strategic alignment with Orbis’ modality roadmap
Team & Cross-Site Leadership
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Platform Chemistry organization
- Foster a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and operational discipline
- Guide the team through scale-up, new capabilities, and continuous improvement
Execution & Delivery
- Deliver high-quality macrocycle libraries at speed to early discovery programs
- Establish KPIs and operational metrics to track performance and guide platform evolution
- Ensure rigorous data quality, FAIR data principles, and full integration with computational and screening systems
You will report to the EVP Early Discovery & Platform Technologies.
Your Skills and Expertise
You are expected to bring a unique combination of deep scientific expertise, platform thinking, and leadership capability like:
- PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
- 12+ years of industry experience in peptide, macrocycle, or complex synthetic chemistry, with at least 7 years in leadership roles
- Proven track record building automated or high-throughput synthesis platforms—including hardware, workflow design, and digital integration
- Strong understanding of macrocycle chemistry, including SPPS, on-bead cyclisation, convergent strategies, linker design, protecting-group strategies, orthogonal chemistries, purification, and analytical characterization
- Experience interfacing with AI/ML design, computational chemistry, and screening to support iterative DMTA cycles is a plus
- Knowledge of the key drivers of permeability and metabolic stability enabling oral bioavailability of macrocyclic peptide therapeutics is an advantage.
Leadership Attributes
- Visionary yet pragmatic—able to define strategic direction and deliver operational excellence
- Motivating leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters cross-functional collaboration
- Thrives in a fast-paced, innovative biotech environment with evolving priorities
- Strong communicator who can influence at all levels, including scientific leadership, executive team, investors, and external partners
Application
Please apply via the link.
Orbis Medicines collaborates with DEDENROTH on this recruitment.
Please contact Mia Danielsen to express your interest or if you have any questions about the role or the process.
Phone: +45 26178142 / Email: mia.danielsen@orbismedicines.com
