Principal Medicinal Chemist

Key Skills

Java Programming, Python Programming, C++, C Programming, SQL, Cloud computing, Scala Programming, Machine learning techniques, Data science techniques, MATLAB Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow, R Programming

Job Description

We are looking for a number of experienced medicinal chemists at Principal Scientist level. As a key part of our Chemical Sciences team, you’ll be responsible for leading a team of internal and CRO chemists on our Drug Discovery programmes from Hit ID through to Lead Optimisation and Candidate delivery, utilising tech tools to drive down cycle times and identify the best compounds for progression into the clinic.

The successful Candidate will be working to support small molecule Drug Discovery at either our headquarters in London or our laboratory facility in Cambridge (UK). Working with cheminformaticians, computational chemists, AI modellers and Drug Discovery colleagues you’ll devise creative ways to reimagine the way medicines are discovered.

Primary Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for defining the medicinal chemistry strategy on one or more Drug Discovery programmes and managing the work of a team of internal and external CRO chemists.
• With a strong medicinal chemistry background and a broad knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, you will work as a highly influential member of project teams, providing clear strategic direction aligned with company goals.
• With a wide experience of successfully working in multi-disciplinary Drug Discovery teams, you will work closely with experts across biology, pharmacology & DMPK as well as machine learning, computational chemistry and cheminformatics.
• If working within our lab-based team in Cambridge, an additional part of the role could be the efficient synthesis of novel molecules making use of modern practical methods.
• We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the Drug Discovery process so you will have a proactive and positive problem-solving mindset allowing you to contribute strategically and implement ideas to drive projects forward.
• Direct supervision of others will form part of the role and matrix leadership of cross-functional teams may also be required.
• You will establish and maintain close working relationships with Senior Management for project planning, alignment and delivery.
• You will follow our safety standards at all times.

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We are looking for someone with

• You will be an excellent communicator, through verbal, written and electronic media, able to freely collaborate with internal and external colleagues. You will constantly share knowledge with other members of the team.
• In this role you’ll be working with a wide range of scientists and technologists from our Cambridge and London offices as well as an external network of collaborators so you will be a strong team player with an ability to work seamlessly with experts from many disciplines and mentor direct reports.
• You’ll have a strong ability to critically analyse and act upon complex datasets across e.g. synthetic chemistry, biological and DMPK data, AI predictions and many other areas and a track record of providing innovative solutions to advance Drug Discovery programmes.
• You will possess excellent decision making and prioritisation skills with a strategic mindset.
• At all times a professional approach to work and colleagues must be applied with a mature awareness of the business needs. This role demands an ability to be self-motivated, proactive, innovative, with the ability to devise and implement solutions in a timely manner.
• You will be comfortable and thrive working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and on multiple projects with changing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in synthetic organic chemistry or very closely related area
• >5 years experience in an industrial setting applying medicinal chemistry expertise to the successful advancement of Drug Discovery projects to important milestones.
• A track record of significant, innovative personal contributions to the progression of Drug Discovery programmes.
• Previous line management experience and the ability to motivate and develop team members is preferred.