Senior/Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

6d6 days ago

Psivant Therapeutics

Watertown, US · Full-time · $170,000 – $250,000

About this role

PsiThera is seeking a talented and creative medicinal chemist with a strong track record of advancing small molecule projects from initial hits through to development candidate selection. Our science and team are focused on combining medicinal chemistry with our cutting-edge computational platform to rapidly identify and optimize molecules into innovative medicines for patients.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience integrating deep knowledge of synthetic and medicinal chemistry with in silico drug discovery methods to perform multiparameter optimization, including ADME/PK considerations. This self-motivated individual thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment that integrates computational and experimental data to drive programs to the clinic.

Reporting to the Director of Medicinal Chemistry, the role involves collaborating closely across functions including computational chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and biology teams to provide actionable insights and strategic guidance. Strong synthetic chemistry skills, expertise in creative and practical small molecule design, and experience guiding teams of CRO chemists are essential.

Advance programs from hit identification to lead selection to development candidate nomination while staying current with chemistry, medicinal chemistry, project-relevant literature, and new patent filings. Excellent communication skills enable presenting strategies and results to the broader team in this dynamic, multidisciplinary setting.

Requirements

3-5 years experience driving small molecule discovery programs from hit to lead through lead optimization as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications and/or inventorship status on patent applications
BS, MS or PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a closely related field
Proven track record of creative solutions to solve medicinal chemistry challenges
Firsthand experience in structure-based and computer-aided drug discovery
Experience working collaboratively across drug discovery disciplines, including biology, structural biology, computational chemistry and biophysics
Experience leading and managing teams of external chemists
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work well in a multidisciplinary environment
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a strong passion for learning new concepts and technologies

Responsibilities

Advance small molecule programs from hit selection to development candidate selection
In collaboration with CADD, biophysics, structural biology and biology, design small molecules to achieve program goals and meet timelines
Plan, prioritize and implement synthetic and medicinal chemistry
Manage teams of external synthetic chemists to ensure timely delivery of complex target molecules for biological testing
Review analytical data to ensure identity and quality of samples
Stay current with chemistry, medicinal chemistry and project-relevant literature as well as with new patent application filings