MC/0825 - Lab-based Medicinal Chemist

Astex Pharmaceuticals; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovative drug discovery firm in Cambridge is seeking talented PhD chemists for lab-based medicinal chemistry roles. Successful candidates will be involved in designing and synthesizing novel target molecules, advancing FBDD technology, and working in a collaborative environment. The firm offers excellent training and a competitive salary with hybrid working options promoting a flexible work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent training and career development

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Strong practical laboratory synthesis skills.
• Outstanding publication record in high impact journals.
• Passion for developing new medicines.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel, high-quality target molecules.
• Contribute to advancing FBDD technology and methodology.
• Support safe day-to-day running of chemistry laboratories.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry expertise

Problem-solving in organic synthesis

Teamworking and communication

Education

PhD in synthetic organic chemistry

Job description

Astex Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company has successfully applied its proprietary Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) platform to generate multiple new drug candidates that are progressing in clinical development. Successful collaborations have led to three launched oncology drugs (Kisqali partnered with Novartis, Balversa partnered with Janssen and Truqap partnered with AstraZeneca). We have several opportunities for talented scientists who are committed to developing treatments for patients with Cancer and Neurological Disorders.

The Role

We are seeking talented and highly motivated PhD chemists for lab-based medicinal chemistry roles. The chemistry group is a diverse and dynamic team with a culture of innovation, and a mission to discover new medicines. Alongside contributing to FBDD projects, you will work closely with computational chemistry, structural biology, biology, and D MPK scientists . Candidates should be high calibre, exhibit excellent scientific rigour, and challenge and stimulate colleagues by actively sharing ideas and engaging in scientific discussions. An excellent knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, alongside a proven track record of practical experience is required.

Principal Responsibilities

• You will apply your creativity and synthetic chemistry expertise towards the design and synthesis of novel, high-quality, target molecules.
• Contribute to the advancement of FBDD technology and methodology within the department.
• You will learn about state-of-the-art high-throughput synthesis technology and apply this to evolve fragment hits into potent lead molecules in our world class chemistry automation lab.
• You will have the opportunity to learn cutting-edge, computational structure-based drug design tools and apply them to drug discovery projects.
• Promote cross disciplinary interactions.
• You will support the safe day to day running of Astex's chemistry laboratories.

Skills and Experience

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry with strong practical laboratory synthesis skills.
• Track record of solving challenging organic synthesis problems.
• Good awareness of state-of-the-art synthesis methodology.
• Outstanding publication record in high impact journals.
• Excellent teamworking and communication skills.
• A passion for developing new medicines.

Why Astex

We offer excellent training and career development opportunities, as well as a highly competitive salary and benefits package including hybrid working options to promote a flexible and inclusive work environment.

At Astex, we embrace diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse company representing all backgrounds, harnessing industry-leading scientific innovation, and behaviours.

The company is situated at the Cambridge Science Park, 2.5 miles from the Cambridge City centre. The park has onsite cafe's, sports facilities, a nd excellent transport links to London.

More information

For information on Astex Pharmaceuticals please visit:

Astex is subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceuticals: