Lead - Medicinal Chemist

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategies for the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel drug candidates.
• Execute SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) strategies to improve potency, selectivity, and overall drug-like properties.
• Drive hit-to-lead and lead optimization efforts across multiple discovery programs.
• Incorporate AI-driven drug design and computational modeling into medicinal chemistry workflow.
• Manage external collaborations with CROs and academic partners to scale compound synthesis and profiling.
• Partner closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and analytical chemistry to integrate data and advance candidates efficiently
• Analyse experimental results, generate hypotheses, and make data-driven decisions to guide programs.
• Build and mentor a team of medicinal chemists, fostering scientific innovation and Professional growth.
• Remain hands-on in chemistry when needed, applying creativity and rigour to overcome key design challenges.

Preferred candidate profile

• PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry (or a related discipline) with 10+ years of industry experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing small molecules or peptides into the clinic.
• Deep expertise in synthetic chemistry, drug design, and SAR optimization.
• Exposure to AI-based drug discovery, computational chemistry, or fragment-based design.
• Solid understanding of DMPK, pharmacology, and safety assessment in early development
• Familiarity with patent strategy and regulatory considerations for small-molecule therapeutics
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects and external partnerships
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills