Director, Computational Chemistry

Role Summary

Lead computational chemistry efforts within small-molecule drug discovery programs. Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and project teams to apply drug-design and computational methods for hit-finding and optimization of potency, selectivity, and ADME/Tox properties. Build and expand internal AI/ML capabilities. Contribute to project strategies as part of Design Teams and Project Teams.

Responsibilities

• In close collaboration with medicinal chemists and project teams, apply a wide variety of drug-design and computational chemistry methods towards hit-finding, optimization of potency, selectivity, and ADME/Tox properties
• Assimilate, summarize, and apply SAR understanding by leveraging physics-based and data-driven modeling technologies to address discovery challenges.
• Develop, deploy, and expand internal AI/ML capabilities.
• As part of Design Teams and Project Teams, contribute to project strategies

Qualifications

• PhD, or equivalent, in the field of chemistry or computational chemistry with 8+ years of experience working in small-molecule drug discovery teams in a pharma or biotech setting.
• Strong external reputation with a track record of peer-reviewed publications of applying computational chemistry to drive drug discovery projects from target identification to development candidates
• Comprehensive understanding of modern drug discovery including target identification, hit finding, Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and DMPK principles.
• Ability to independently solve problems, to think critically and creatively as part of a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team. Ability to help lead, recruit and cultivate a high performing team.
• Persistent in the face of obstacles and uncertainty, flexible, self-aware of strengths and weaknesses, direct objectivity in the evaluation of data, and strongly optimistic about overcoming challenges.

Skills

• Experience with CADD software such as Schrödinger, MOE, and proficiency coding in Python.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all stakeholders.
• Goal-driven, operates with a sense of urgency, highly collaborative, open-minded, data-driven, and creative.

Education

• PhD in chemistry or computational chemistry (or equivalent)