Team Leader Molecular Modeling (Computational Chemistry), hybrid 
remote/on-site - Mechelen, BE
Job description
Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company 
with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.



Galapagos mission is to make a lasting positive contribution to society 
through discovery of innovative therapies for diseases with large unmet 
medical need. Galapagos historic focus on developing first-in-class 
medicines based on the discovery of novel targets in inflammation and 
fibrosis has led to the successful launch of our first medicine in 
rheumatoid arthritis in 2020 and in ulcerative colitis in 2021.



Galapagos is now entering an exciting new chapter to expand and diversify 
its pipeline for the future, starting with oncology, specifically CAR-T 
cell-therapy, a transformative treatment of different types of cancer. 
Through the combined acquisitions of CellPoint and AboundBio, we are 
propelling ourselves into next-generation cell therapies.

Were in the business of changing lives. In our quest to discover and 
develop life-improving medicines we go where no one has ever gone before. 
In every challenge we face, we see new opportunities. We pioneer for 
patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in 
spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant 
idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : 
The make-it-happener.


We are looking for a Team Leader Molecular Modeling (Computational 
Chemistry) for Belgium. 

Working in a hybrid setting: remote / on-site in Mechelen (BE). 


Scope of the job

As member of the Molecular Modeling & Design team (part of the Computational 
Research group, 9 people), your primary responsibility will be the 
judicious application of computational methods to the discovery and 
optimization of drug candidates. You will provide scientific contributions 
to drug discovery projects yourself and supervise 3 other team members 
in this endeavor.



Your role

You will be involved in structure-based (SB) and ligand-based (LB) drug 
design, compound selection and acquisition, HTS data analysis and triage, 
virtual screening, statistical modeling, and ADMET prediction. 

You will be working closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, DMPK 
scientists and other project team members to define and achieve project 
goals.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in evaluating, developing, 
implementing and applying new computational methodologies and strategies. 

You will identify areas of scientific improvement within computational 
sciences and their potential for application to projects.
 
You will contribute to the development of new computational capabilities 
and maintain an up-to-date awareness of recent literature and current 
developments within the field.

Job requirements
Who are you?

A Ph.D. degree with experience in computer-aided support to drug discovery 
projects. Experience in an industrial setting would be an advantage.

Expertise in structure- and ligand-based drug design, with experience in 
common molecular modeling techniques (protein homology modeling, docking, 
pharmacophore modeling, target- and ligand-based virtual screening)

Knowledge of basic organic chemistry concepts (such as tautomerism and pKa)

Expertise in at least one of the following techniques would be a plus: 
ADMET and physicochemical property prediction, machine learning, molecular 
simulations (MD), FEP, quantum mechanics calculations

Programming, scripting (Python), and good knowledge of Linux

Experience with data-workflow tools (such as Pipeline Pilot or Knime) 
would be an advantage

Knowledge of drug target families (kinases, GPCRs, proteases, PDEs) would 
be an advantage

Proven leadership experience managing and motivating teams in an international 
context 

A high degree of independence, self-motivation, eagerness to learn and good 
communication skills are essential

Fluent in English

Regular presence on site in Mechelen (Belgium) is expected: ideally 2 days 
per week (additional flexibility could be discussed).


Whats in it for you ?

You will be part of a fast growing and amazing company. As a make-it-happener 
you will get all the support you need to make your job successful. 
At Galapagos we aim to recruit the best people, who stand out among their 
peers, with integrity and excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. 
Our employees are the strength behind Galapagos, a highly motivated team, 
eager to maintain Galapagos leading position and achieve breakthroughs in 
pharmaceutical research. Galapagos offers a competitive remuneration 
package and a dynamic work environment.

We are Galapagos: together we can make it happen...!

Use this link:
https://glpg.recruitee.com/o/team-leader-molecular-modeling-computational-chemistry-hybrid-remoteonsite-mechelen-be/c/new