Senior Scientist, Structural Chemistry

Descrizione del lavoro

Specific Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly motivated, attentive, and self-driven candidate to join the Modeling Group. The successful candidate will work closely within inter-disciplinary project teams deployed in multiple therapeutic areas. In this critical role you will be responsible for proactively delivering structural and computational expertise to influence efforts in all stages of the discovery process ranging from target and lead identification to lead optimization and candidate selection.

Experience in a broad variety of both structure- and ligand-based computational techniques is essential, particularly molecular docking, pharmacophore development, library design and analysis, AI/ML methods, and protein-ligand simulation. The ability to analyse chemical structures in relation to biological activity in order to guide novel compound design or help evolve the SAR, both independently and in collaboration with medicinal chemists, is crucial. Experience in modelling of biologics and knowledge of antibody discovery and development are desirable.

Solid knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including DMPK, structural biology, and an understanding of IP and its analysis is expected. Excellent communication skills along with the ability to function as an effective member on multiple project teams are mandatory. The ability to develop tools for use by computational and medicinal chemists would be a great plus.

Essential Functions:

• Design and prioritize novel compounds using hypothesis-driven approaches informed by SAR, molecular modeling, AI/ML methods and tools, and structural data.

• Plan, design, and implement computational strategies to advance chemical series via iterative DMTA cycles with a focus on improving potency, selectivity, and DMPK properties.

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of state-of-the art principles and theories, and apply such knowledge to the research direction that supports Company interests.

• Work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variables, requiring regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

• Contribute to scientific literature and conferences through publication and presentation of research results.

• Participate in development of patent applications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience

OR

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience

OR

• PhD/ PharmD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Typically requires a PhD in an appropriate scientific discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience with deep expertise in computational chemistry and structure-based drug design and demonstrated success in advancing programs from hit ID through lead optimization to candidate selection.

• Hands-on expertise with common commercial software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye), techniques (MD, FEP, MM/GBSA), AI/ML tools and methods (e.g. generative design, structure and potency prediction), research and cheminformatics tools (e.g. Pipeline Pilot, RDKit, Vortex), and scripting languages (e.g. Python) is required.

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical) and interpersonal skills are essential.

• Must be able to participate in highly effective teams.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Demonstration of technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought in suggesting experimental design and research strategy.

• Must think critically and creatively and be able to work independently, determine appropriate resources for resolution of problems and have strong organizational and planning skills.