Job Description

A drug discovery and development company in San Diego is seeking a Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry to join their dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to translating cutting-edge science into life-changing treatments for patients with severe unmet medical needs.

Scope and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry to lead our small molecule discovery efforts. This is a pivotal role for a scientific leader who will drive medicinal chemistry strategy, oversee external collaborations, and advance programs from target identification through clinical development. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our chemistry function, optimizing resources, and mentoring the next generation of drug discovery scientists.

• Lead and drive medicinal chemistry programs from hit discovery through Phase 1, contributing to our expanding pipeline.
• Develop and execute chemistry strategies that balance innovation, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee internal and external teams, managing collaborations with CROs and global FTEs while expanding our chemistry capabilities.
• Act as a scientific thought leader, integrating medicinal chemistry with biology, pharmacology, and computational chemistry to optimize small molecules.
• Provide mentorship and leadership, building and scaling a high-performing team of chemists to support our growth.
• Guide structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization, integrating ADME, PK, and safety data to drive compound progression.
• Support strategic planning for IND-enabling studies and contribute to clinical candidate nomination.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with discovery biology, computational chemistry, and translational teams to accelerate drug development.

Key Selection Criteria:

• PhD in Chemistry with 10+ years of medicinal chemistry experience in biotech or pharma.
• Proven track record of leading drug discovery programs from early-stage discovery through clinical candidate nomination.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and structure-based drug design.
• Experience managing external partnerships and global chemistry teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills, with a passion for mentoring junior scientists.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment and drive innovation.

Why join?

• Exciting Growth – We are scaling rapidly, with upcoming IND filings and plans for a future public offering.
• Career Development – This role offers opportunities for professional growth as the pipeline and team expand. It is a dynamic work environment where unique strengths of employees at all levels are cultivated.
• Cutting-Edge Science – Work at the forefront of genetics-driven drug discovery, translating groundbreaking insights into transformative medicines.
• Collaborative Culture – Join a team that values teamwork, inclusion, and scientific excellence. Including planning regular company events and opportunities to participate in team-building gatherings and activities designed to foster open communication and engagement.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with a rich employer contribution
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• 401k plan participation plus complimentary financial planning services
• Equity Incentive Plan participation (stock options)
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Weeklong winter holiday shutdown
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Parental, caregiving, and various leave programs

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