Thierry Masquelin

About Thierry Masquelin

Strategic and visionary leader with deep expertise in Medicinal Chemistry (>10 clinical candidates) and Chemical Technology (development of 2 multi-million-dollar robotic platforms), consistently driving transformative innovation in drug discovery. Proven ability to establish and execute strategic frameworks that significantly accelerate the path to new medicines and achieve top-tier industry performance indicators. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, effectively influencing stakeholders, enabling seamless integration of digital and automation chemistry solutions to optimize the drug discovery cycle. Passionate about leading and mentoring high-performing teams, cultivating collaborative environments, and strategically allocating resources to maximize impact and deliver exceptional outcomes. Recognized for expertise in Fragment-/Structured-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD/SBDD), consistently delivering clinical candidates across diverse therapeutics area: 4 clinical candidates in Oncology, one continuing through Phase 2, 4 clinical candidates in CNS, 1 clinical candidate in Diabetes, and 3 clinical candidates in Infectious Diseases, one continuing through Phase 2. Noteworthy contributions include the creation of state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Lilly Life Science Studio (L2S2) with a capacity of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) per year based on 3 steps synthesis, pioneering global drug discovery strategies to revolutionize access to molecules and data. Pioneered the world\'s first Automated Synthesis and Purification Lab (ASPL) with a capacity of New Chemical Entities (NCEs) yearly. Over 5 years, executed more than chemical reactions, added more than samples to the Lilly compound collection and delivered one new clinical candidate Spearheaded multi-million-dollar projects, including the design of the Closed Loop Automated Scientific Solution (CLASS) integrating digital (AI/ML) and physical chemical capabilities, and delivered the first world DMPK module, enabling recursion’s goal to industrialize the early drug discovery stages. Holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, with a solid foundation in asymmetric hydrogenation and the synthesis of complex natural compounds. Serving as a certified National USA Climbing Coach, leveraged a decade of coaching experience to mentor colleagues and lead a world-class elite climbing team which led to multiple athletes earning spots on the USA climbing team.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Chemistry Automation Daps

   GSK

   Aug 2025 — Present · Upper Providence, PA, US

Education

• Ecole National Superieur de Chimie de Mulhouse

  Engineer, Chemistry

  1986 — 1988

• Universite de Haute Alsace

  PhD, Organic & medicinal chemistry

• Basel University/Roche Ltd

  Research Associate/ Post-Doc. Position, Medicinal Chemistry

Skills

• Organic Chemistry
• Innovator
• Problem Solving
• Drug Design
• Entrepreneurship
• Lead Change
• Oncology
• CRO
• Hplc
• Chemistry
• Chromatography
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Team Leadership
• Leadership
• Assay Development
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery
• Organic Synthesis
• Analytical Chemistry
• Life Sciences
• Infectious Diseases
• Parallel Synthesis
• Drug Development
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Robotic Systems
• Lifesciences
• Purification