Principal Medicinal Chemist

6d6 days ago

Aqemia

Paris, FR · Full-time · €95,000 – €140,000

About this role

AQEMIA is a drug invention company dedicated to creating entirely new medicines to address major unmet medical needs. At the core of our mission is QEMI, our proprietary molecule-invention platform, which uniquely combines cutting-edge science with advanced technology. Powered by physics-based modeling, statistical mechanics, and generative AI, QEMI allows teams to design novel drug candidates from first principles.

As a Medicinal Chemist, you will work at the interface of chemistry and biology, designing and optimizing compounds that drive projects from hit generation through to preclinical candidates. What makes AQEMIA different is commitment to true innovation: research dedicated to invention of never-before-seen molecules, without relying on experimental data. This advances a growing pipeline of proprietary programs and strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies.

AQEMIA brings together a diverse, multidisciplinary team of 65+ professionals based in Paris and London. Scientists and engineers, including chemists, physicists, machine learning experts, and software engineers, work side by side to push boundaries of early-stage drug discovery. Close collaboration across disciplines is central to tackling complex scientific challenges from first principles.

Our most advanced preclinical programs are currently in vivo optimization, targeting diseases still waiting for effective treatments. Team members are encouraged to contribute expertise, learn from one another, and play an active role in shaping the future of drug invention. Leverage scientific expertise to help build the future of therapeutics at the forefront of innovation.

Requirements

PhD in synthetic or organic chemistry, academic post-doc is a plus
10 years of experience in industrial drug discovery with similar role
Strong track record in organic synthesis and compound design for drug discovery
Strong interest in AI-driven and computer-assisted drug design
Proven ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and effectively communicate complex data
Familiarity with molecular modeling, SAR analysis, and ADME optimization
Excellent problem-solving skills and a track record of scientific innovation
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Responsibilities

Closely collaborate with technological platform, including atomistic calculations and generative AI, to challenge and improve the platform and design innovative molecules
Optimize lead compounds and transform them into drug candidates, pragmatically applying technology
Autonomously execute and interpret complex activities to identify pharmaceutical candidates
Prepare and follow tasks given to CROs to support drug discovery projects, including synthesis of novel small molecules and generation of biological data
Follow and drive one or several programs simultaneously in medicinal chemistry
Contribute to patent filings
Maintain clear, accurate, written records of decisions and progresses
Collaborate with project managers to establish clear projections in terms of timelines and costs