Computational Chemistry Senior Principal Scientist

Vertex UK Int'l HQ/R&D; United Kingdom, United Kingdom; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biotechnology company is seeking a Senior Principal Computational Chemist to join their team in Oxford. This pivotal role involves driving scientific innovation and applying advanced computational methods to accelerate drug discovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drug discovery, with expertise in molecular modelling and physics-based methods. You will lead project teams, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate across departments to enhance R&D efforts. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in the field of drug development, this is an exciting opportunity for you.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Educational assistance programs

Commuting subsidy

401(k) matching

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in drug discovery and computational chemistry.
• Strong knowledge of molecular modelling and physics-based methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead computational chemistry strategy and optimize drug candidates.
• Utilize advanced techniques for hit identification and lead optimization.

Skills

Computational Chemistry

Molecular Modelling Techniques

Physics-based Methods

Data Analysis

Python

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related discipline

Tools

Molecular Modelling Software

Data Mining Software

Job description

Computational Chemistry Senior Principal Scientist page is loaded

Computational Chemistry Senior Principal Scientist

Apply locations Oxford, United Kingdom time type Full time posted on Posted 9 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: May 1, 2025 (14 days left to apply) job requisition id REQ-24796

Job Description

General Summary:

We seek a highly motivated and experienced Senior Principal Computational Chemist to join our Computational Drug Design Group in Oxford. This senior role presents an opportunity to drive scientific innovation and strategic direction, applying advanced computational methods to accelerate drug discovery and optimization, directly influencing pipeline progression and clinical translation. A proven track record of progressing small molecule therapy to the clinic is required.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and implement a computational chemistry strategy within project teams, providing deep scientific expertise to identify and optimize molecules with the potential to become safe and effective medicines
• Drive the application and development of cutting-edge physics-based methods (e.g. FEP, ABFE, QM) to enhance molecular design, binding affinity predictions, and property optimization
• Collaborate with the internal Data and Computational Sciences group to provide expertise in data analysis and cheminformatics

Key Responsibilities:

• Make high impact, data-driven decisions to prioritize compound progression, ensuring alignment with project timelines and strategic goals
• Utilize cutting-edge computational techniques to drive hit identification and lead optimization programs
• Leverage physics-based methods, AI generative models and machine learning approaches to design innovative chemical entities
• Proactively seek opportunities to enhance Vertex’s global R&D efforts through cross-functional collaboration with DMPK, Structural Biology, Safety Assessment, and Data Science teams
• Make timely decisions to maintain focus and achieve key project objectives, fostering high productivity and a sense of urgency
• Stay at the forefront of computational chemistry innovations, proactively incorporating emerging tools and technologies to enhance team capabilities
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and scientific excellence

Skills and qualifications required:

• Highly motivated, self-directed professional with a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Computational Chemistry or related discipline. A minimum of 7 years of industrial experience in drug discovery is required
• A strong understanding of drug discovery and development principles, with proven expertise in applying a wide range of molecular modelling techniques to structure-based, ligand-based, and fragment-based projects within the pharmaceutical industry
• An in-depth knowledge of physics-based methods and state-of-the-art computational chemistry approaches and their application to drug discovery
• Proficiency with commercial and/or open-source molecular modelling and data mining software
• Experience in scripting and programming languages such as Python
• A strong problem-solving mindset, with a spirit of innovation, creativity and adaptability
• Effective time and priority management skills to drive projects forward
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills, fostering collaboration across teams

#LI-hybrid #LI-SG-1

Pay Range:

$0 - $0

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on-site; or select
2. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]