Head of Software Development

About X-Chem

At X-Chem, it is our mission to leverage the world’s leading drug discovery platform to help create molecules that will improve human health.  X-Chem is a leader in small molecule discovery science, providing pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a complete, seamless solution for screening, hit validation, and lead optimization. As pioneers of DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) technology, the company leverages its market-leading DEL platform to rapidly screen billions of diverse drug-like molecules to discover novel small molecule leads against challenging, high-value therapeutic targets. In house hit-to-lead and lead optimization services driven by AI and physics-based modeling enable clients to progress their compounds directly from hit all the way through to candidate nomination. Our well-proven expertise in medicinal chemistry, custom synthesis, and scale-up process chemistry enables us to support all aspects of drug discovery in a deeply integrated technology-driven platform. As we unify and modernize our platforms across chemistry, biology, and data science, we are investing in top-tier software leadership to help shape the future of drug discovery informatics.

Job Description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Head of Software Development to lead and expand our global Budapest-based engineering hub. This role is instrumental in centralizing and scaling our software capabilities across a range of existing and new scientific platforms focused on pre-clinical drug discovery and machine learning. You will oversee the cross-functional integration and delivery of a unified technology stack that supports core X-Chem workflows in chemistry, analytics, production, and logistics.

Hybrid role with flexible working hours, based in a modern and inspiring workspace at Graphisoft Park in Budapest’s 3rd district.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of full-stack engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Technical Oversight: Act as the chief architect, guiding the design and development of scalable web-based applications, including migration of legacy platforms to modern technology
• Cross-Platform Planning: Coordinate with global teams to ensure cohesive planning and execution across platforms
• Execution Prioritization: Align team objectives with business goals, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and career development support to team members
• Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to define and implement product strategies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus in computer science or related field, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree
• Minimum of 10 years in software development, with at least 5 years in a managerial role
• Proven experience in full-stack development, including both frontend and backend technologies
• Experience with cloud-based technologies, AWS preferred
• Strong architectural skills, with a track record of designing scalable and maintainable systems
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Advanced level of English knowledge
• Experience in drug discovery, chemistry, cheminformatics is a significant plus

Benefits

X-Chem offers competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our global colleagues. Our Pay for Performance Philosophy and Practices reward colleagues based on the contributions they make to our business.

Our Competitive Benefits Programs support our colleagues by:

• Promoting Health and Wellness to help colleagues maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. X-Chem offerings include private health insurance, preventative health programs and personal wellness benefits.
• Providing Benefits, including flexible working hours, long-term loyalty rewards, language learning opportunities, and access to experiences that encourage relaxation, recreation, and cultural enrichment.
• Values Based Culture fosters innovation, empowers its employees and demands integrity, collaboration and excellence while support investments into Women’s Heath, Development of Green Chemistry Initiatives and Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to both live our mission and engage our communities.

How to Apply

If you are interested in our job advertisement, we are waiting for your CV!