Denis Fourches

About Denis Fourches

Forward-thinking team leader with 15 years of research experience in both academia and industry. Internationally recognized expertise in computer-aided drug design, cheminformatics, and chemical data science. Creative ability to design and implement state-of-the-art research programs with groundbreaking solutions that solve challenging problems in molecular discovery. Pioneered the field of MD-QSAR modeling with machine learning and descriptors of dynamic protein-drug interactions. Pioneered computational chemical cryptography (DARPA), AI-guided closeloop synthesis (DARPA), championed large molecular enumeration (macrolides), and first ever QSAR models for nanomaterials. Leadership experience in cross-functional, matrixed, fast-moving startup environment. Champion at recruiting, assembling, and managing multidisciplinary teams (including CROs) at various stages from initial platform development to ligand/lead identification and optimization. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) both at the whiteboard with the team and at the exec table. Key Strengths:My expertise lies in identifying emerging trends, shortcuts in internal processes, and championing groundbreaking solutions at all levels of the Cheminformatics and Computational Chemistry Platform. My core scientific competencies (e.g, machine learning, AI/ML, 2D/3D/MD-QSAR, molecular design & enumeration, virtual screening, DEL hit analysis, PROTAC optimization) are illustrated by 80+ peer-reviewed publications. I am passionate about applying my skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions for challenging problems in molecular discovery and development. Core Values- Innovation Catalyst: I thrive on exploring cutting-edge technologies and trends in molecular design (e.g, Generative AI) and biotech (e.g, high throughput PROTAC synthesis) to stay at the forefront of the industry- Team Builder: I recruit, assemble, and lead the best teams of scientists to deliver on the most advanced technology in molecular modeling (in particular for PROTAC degraders and glues)- Instinctual Leader: My natural empathy is coupled with a strong content command so that my team performs at the highest level with \"Lead by Example\" and \"One Team, One Fight\" as principles- Company First: I thrive in an environment where the core values are oriented towards scientific excellence, fundamental trust, and multi-disciplinary team synergies to create value for the company.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Cheminformatics and Computational Chemistry

   Sciome Llc

   Feb 2026 — Present · Durham, NC, US

Education

• Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France

  PhD, Chemistry (specialty: Cheminformatics)

  2004 — 2007

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  Postdoc, Cheminformatics

  2008 — 2010

• Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France

  Master (M1) degree in Chemistry, Chemistry

  2002 — 2003

• Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France

  Master (M2) degree (MSc) in Cheminformatics, Theoretical Chemistry

  2003 — 2004

• Limoges University, Limoges, France

  Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Chemistry

  2001 — 2002

• Edmond Perrier High School, Tulle, France

  Baccalaureat S (Spe Math), Mathematics

  1995 — 1998

Skills

• Protein Chemistry
• High Throughput Screening
• Data Analysis
• Organic Chemistry
• Cheminformatics
• Machine Learning
• Qsar
• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Virtual Screening
• Computational Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Drug Discovery
• Life Sciences
• Molecular Modeling
• Python
• R
• Data Analytics
• Docking
• Data Modeling
• French
• Data Visualization
• Augmented Reality
• Software Development
• Project Management