Director, Medicinal Chemistry

6d6 days ago

Alkermes

Waltham, US · Full-time · $223,000 – $234,000

About this role

Alkermes seeks a talented scientist as Director to lead medicinal chemistry efforts from target ideation through candidate nomination for neurological disease indications. The desired candidate will be a recognized expert in successfully initiating and managing medicinal chemistry activities inside a given portfolio. They will play a key strategic role in shaping discovery direction and compound design strategy.

Lead medicinal chemistry projects to ensure progression and candidate drug delivery using state-of-the-art design principles. Work closely with computational chemistry to implement predictive models aiding new compound design. Foster collaboration with synthetic chemistry to enhance design through synthesis.

Utilize state-of-the-art design tools for systematic data analysis supporting hypothesis-driven compound design. Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to focus project priorities, objectives, and outcomes. Work with internal and external partners like CROs to facilitate activities.

Provide medicinal chemistry insight for new target and lead identification. Lead strategic efforts shaping discovery direction and influencing portfolio decisions. Help build and expand internal chemistry capabilities while mentoring scientific personnel.

Requirements

PhD in chemistry with 10+ years of medicinal chemistry experience, direct experience of CNS drug discovery would be a plus
Recognized expert in contemporary medicinal chemistry approaches and principles that contribute to the delivery of candidate drugs
Strong expertise in utilizing SBDD to guide hypothesis driven compound design
Demonstrated delivery of clinical compounds through medicinal chemistry design principles
Adept at using medicinal and computational chemistry software tools
Understanding of overall drug discovery process and how to drive compound design
Ability to independently define key scientific questions and design rigorous experiments in collaboration with internal and external partners
Demonstrated ability to work seamlessly in a cross-functional matrixed environment

Responsibilities

Lead medicinal chemistry projects to ensure project progression and candidate drug delivery using state-of-the-art design principles and strategies
Work closely with computational chemistry to implement relevant predictive models to aid in the design of new compounds
Foster a close collaboration with synthetic chemistry to enhance design through synthesis
Utilize state of the art design tools to provide systematic data analysis to assist in hypothesis driven compound design
Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to focus project priorities, objectives, and outcomes
Provide medicinal chemistry insight for new target and lead identification
Lead strategic efforts to shape discovery direction, guide compound design strategies, and influence portfolio decision making
Help build and expand internal chemistry capabilities