Richard Johnson PhD

Blending 20 years of experience across Pharma, Biotech, Academia, Consulting, and Recruitment with a deep scientific foundation, Richard helps life sciences organizations across the global market secure exceptional contract talent. With a career that spans roles as an R&D Leader and Chief Scientific Officer, and a PhD-level background that includes drug development, manufacturing, and product launches across the EU and US, he brings a rare combination of technical depth and commercial insight to every partnership.

As well as leading Discover International’s global contract function, Richard is also an active CMC Consultant, supporting several biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients with strategic guidance across development, manufacturing, and launch planning. His hands-on consulting work keeps him deeply connected to the scientific and operational realities his clients face, ensuring his recruitment leadership is always grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.

At Discover International, Richard oversees all contract hiring globally, partnering with clients across biotech, pharma, CROs, MedTech, diagnostics, CDMOs, and life sciences start-ups. His scientific forte lies in CMC, strengthened by a full-spectrum understanding of drug development from early research through launch which enables him to engage with stakeholders at an expert level and solve complex hiring needs with precision.

Having lived and worked in the UK, EU & US, Richard thrives in cross-cultural environments and supports teams worldwide with a relationship-driven, highly consultative style. Clients and candidates consistently remark on his ability to quickly understand their problems both scientific and organizational and translate them into impactful hiring strategies. 

Motivated by the indirect yet profound impact that great talent has on patients and their everyday lives, Richard strives to make a heavy-hitting contribution to every project. He is known for delivering solutions that fuel growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the life sciences landscape. 

Driven by integrity, commitment, and an unwavering desire to excel, Richard brings maximum focus to every partnership internal or external. His blend of technical knowledge, scientific credibility, global experience, and hands-on consulting expertise is what truly sets him apart, enabling organizations to move faster, think bigger, and achieve meaningful impact.