Director, Medicinal Chemistry
Vertex Pharmaceuticals · San Diego, CA
ResearchFull-time$198k–$296kCompany career page
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Role summary
Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks a Director of Medicinal Chemistry in San Diego to lead small-molecule discovery programs and manage a chemistry team. The role requires strategic oversight of compound design and optimization through candidate selection, with cross-functional collaboration across biology, DMPK, and other disciplines.
What they're looking for
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with 9+ years postdoctoral industry experience
- Significant medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery background
- Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs to candidate selection stage
- Experience leading cross-functional and matrixed teams
- Proven mentorship and strategic scientific leadership capabilities
- Strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
What you'll be doing
- Define and execute medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule programs aligned with portfolio objectives
- Lead compound design, synthesis, and optimization to create high-quality development candidates
- Guide structure-activity relationship strategy and data-driven decisions for candidate selection
- Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences teams on program advancement
- Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members
Privacy & handoff
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