Senior Lead Medicinal Chemist - Oncology Drug Discovery
Our client, a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company renowned for its innovative approach to oncology drug discovery, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Lead Medicinal Chemist. This is a fully remote position, allowing exceptional talent to contribute from anywhere in the US. As a key leader within the research organization, you will spearhead the design and synthesis of novel small molecule therapeutics targeting challenging cancers. You will be responsible for leading multi-disciplinary teams, driving projects from hit identification through lead optimization, and contributing to the strategic direction of the oncology pipeline. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in medicinal chemistry, a deep understanding of cancer biology, and a proven ability to translate scientific insights into impactful drug candidates. Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule oncology drug candidates. Develop and implement innovative synthetic strategies to access complex molecular architectures. Oversee structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and structure-property relationship (SPR) analyses to guide lead optimization efforts. Collaborate extensively with biologists, pharmacologists, DMPK scientists, and other stakeholders to define project goals and deliverables. Effectively present research findings, strategic recommendations, and project updates to senior management and research committees. Contribute to the strategic planning and prioritization of the oncology drug discovery portfolio. Ensure high-quality experimental execution, data analysis, and interpretation within the chemistry team. Manage external collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations (CROs). Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Author patent applications and contribute to scientific publications. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry from a leading institution. A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in medicinal chemistry, with a significant focus on oncology drug discovery. Demonstrated leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage and mentor scientific teams. Exceptional track record in designing and synthesizing novel small molecule therapeutics, leading to preclinical candidates. Deep understanding of cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, and common oncogenic pathways. Proficiency in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and analytical methods (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC). Strong grasp of ADME/Tox principles and their application in drug design. Excellent understanding of intellectual property landscape and patent strategy. Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound scientific judgments. Experience working in a remote or hybrid research environment is advantageous. Join us in this pivotal remote role to advance the fight against cancer and shape the future of oncology therapeutics.