Vice President Discovery

DISCO Pharmaceuticals is an emerging biotechnology company with operations in Cologne, Germany, and Schlieren, Switzerland. We leverage a proprietary mass spectrometry-based technology platform to decode the molecular architecture of the cancer cell surface. By integrating expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and computational analytics, we identify functionally relevant protein communities and novel therapeutic targets. Our mission is to develop innovative therapies for diseases with high unmet medical need, including cancer, and to translate new biological insights into meaningful clinical applications.

We are seeking an experienced VP Discovery to provide leadership to the advancement of our innovative pipeline. This individual will play a critical role in driving portfolio execution and guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver transformative therapies for patients with cancer. As a key member of the scientific leadership, you will oversee a team and the portfolio of multispecific and logic-gated TCE/ADC programs from discovery to DC nomination, while partnering closely with senior leadership to shape portfolio strategy, governance, and resource allocation. The role is based in Schlieren, ZH, and involves occasional business travel.

• Leading and driving DISCO’s discovery portfolio and scientific teams, with responsibility for portfolio execution, scientific strategy, prioritization, and delivery of key milestones across multispecific and logic-gated TCE/ADC programs.

• Providing scientific and organizational leadership to multidisciplinary project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while supporting the development of future scientific leaders.

• Partnering closely with DISCO’s executive leadership team to shape and execute scientific and portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment between corporate goals, resource allocation, and program progression.

• Providing strategic guidance to Research Project Teams and Project Leads, supporting data-driven decision making, milestone planning, risk management, and portfolio prioritization.

• Working closely with cross-functional teams, including Antibody Engineering, Technology and CompBio, Translational Sciences, CMC, and Early Development functions, ensuring seamless advancement of programs across the organization.

• Communicating portfolio progress, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership, providing clear recommendations to support strategic decision-making and portfolio management.

• Supporting business development and external innovation activities, including scientific due diligence, strategic collaborations, partnership opportunities, and evaluation of emerging technologies.

• Representing DISCO externally through scientific collaborations, conference participation, publications, and interactions with key opinion leaders and potential partners.

Qualification

You hold a PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline. In addition, you bring more than 14 years of relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug discovery and development, including senior scientific and organizational leadership responsibilities. You have a proven track record of advancing innovative oncology programs from discovery through development candidate nomination and possess deep expertise in multispecific biologics and T-cell engager platforms. You are passionate about translating groundbreaking science into innovative therapies that address significant unmet medical needs. 

Experience

We expect competencies in the following areas:

• Proven track record of leading multiple preclinical drug discovery programs, including target validation, lead identification, candidate optimization, and advancement to IND-enabling activities. 

• Extensive expertise in multispecific biologics and T-cell engager platforms, ideally within immuno-oncology and oncology-focused therapeutic areas. 

• Experience developing and executing translational and preclinical strategies, including proof-of-concept, mechanism-of-action, and biomarker studies. 

• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios within matrix organizations across Discovery, Technology, and Early Development. 

• Strong portfolio, project, and resource management capabilities, with the ability to prioritize and deliver across multiple programs simultaneously.

• Experience supporting business development activities, including scientific due diligence, external partnerships, licensing opportunities, and strategic collaborations. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience interacting with executive leadership and external partners. 

• A proactive, strategic, and solution-oriented mindset, combined with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and innovation-driven environment.

• Long-term career prospects through a permanent employment contract with a future-oriented company

• Competitive compensation and attractive employment conditions

• 30 days of annual leave as well as a work environment that supports professional development

• Exciting responsibilities at the interface of research and laboratory practice, offering a high degree of autonomy and opportunities to make an impact

• A collaborative, international corporate culture with flat hierarchies, short decision-making processes, and regular team activities

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Tobias Schmidt (hiring@discopharma.de).

For data protection reasons, we can only accept applications via our online application tool. Any applications sent by email will be deleted immediately.