Computational Chemist

Variational AI; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a skilled computational chemist to revolutionize drug discovery. This role involves developing molecular docking and dynamics methods, applying computational chemistry expertise to evaluate drug candidates, and integrating pharmacological knowledge into machine learning frameworks. Join a team that's making a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry, working on exciting projects that enhance the drug development process. If you have a passion for computational methods and a drive to learn, this is the perfect opportunity to grow in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in small molecule drug discovery within pharma/biotech.
• Experience with molecular modeling techniques and software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply molecular docking and dynamics methods.
• Evaluate ML-optimized molecules from a computational perspective.

Skills

Computational Chemistry

Molecular Docking

Molecular Dynamics

Binding Free Energy Calculations

Python Programming

Data Analysis

Creative Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry

Tools

Schrodinger

GROMACS

Ambertools

RDKit

Matplotlib

pandas

seaborn

SQL

Job description

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VANCOUVER, BC (OR REMOTE) / 2+ YRS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / FULL TIME

Variational AI is redefining the unit economics of drug discovery. We are pushing the state-of-the-art in machine learning, integrated with chemistry and pharmacology expertise, to radically accelerate the development of promising drug candidates. Our team of machine learning researchers and chemists is changing the massive pharmaceutical industry for the better. Over the past five years, we have been advancing the state-of-the-art, and delivering projects to customers such as Merck & Co.

We are looking for an experienced computational chemist to join the team and make an impact. You will help us to develop and apply molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and binding free energy calculation methods; and evaluate ML-optimized molecules from a computational chemistry perspective. You will also help us more effectively incorporate pharmacological knowledge and intuition into our proprietary machine learning architecture. No knowledge of machine learning is required for this role, but you should possess a strong interest in learning about this promising technology, coupled with hands-on drug discovery experience.

Here is the background we’re looking for:

• Ph.D. in biophysics, computational chemistry or a related discipline, with a computational and molecular simulation emphasis.
• Two or more years’ experience working in small molecule drug discovery in the pharma/biotech industry.
• Experience with molecular modeling techniques for small molecules (e.g. molecular docking, homology modeling, molecular dynamics/ABFE/RBFE, and structure- and ligand-based design).
• Proficiency with modeling software packages, such as Schrodinger, GROMACS, Ambertools.
• Evidence of creative application of computational approaches to solve problems of pharmaceutical interest.
• Ability to communicate, collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Familiarity with multiple drug target classes.
• Programming in Python and experience with QSAR, cheminformatics libraries and data analysis tools, including RDKit, Matplotlib, pandas, and seaborn. SQL experience preferred.
• Intellectual curiosity and drive to excel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically welcome applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and members of underrepresented communities and groups. Compensation is a competitive mix of salary and options. We prioritize expertise and passion over where you decide to live and work. Please send resumes/CVs to [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology