Medicinal Chemist – Small Molecule Drug Discovery | LAXAI Life Sciences

Biopractify; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

LAXAI Life Sciences in Hyderabad, India is seeking an experienced Medicinal Chemist to drive small molecule drug discovery within a CRO-R&D setting. You will design novel molecules, optimize SAR, and lead multi-step syntheses while collaborating with biologists, DMPK, and computational chemists.

The role emphasizes analytical data interpretation, robust documentation, and cross-functional teamwork in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry.
• 3–5 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule drug discovery.
• Experience designing and synthesizing novel small molecules.
• Strong understanding of SAR studies.
• Experience solving organic and synthetic chemistry problems.
• Knowledge of multi-step synthesis and reaction optimization.
• Ability to analyze and interpret analytical data.
• Experience in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong scientific communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and research documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel small molecules for drug discovery programs.
• Develop and optimize multi-step organic synthesis routes.
• Contribute to SAR studies to improve potency and properties.
• Develop practical synthetic strategies for challenging molecules.
• Interpret analytical data (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, GC).
• Collaborate with biologists, DMPK scientists, and analytical teams.
• Prepare compounds for biological and ADME/DMPK evaluation.
• Maintain accurate lab records and documentation.
• Adhere to laboratory safety procedures and protocols.

Skills

Medicinal Chemistry

Small Molecule Design

Organic Synthesis

SAR Studies

Lead Optimization

Hit-to-Lead

Drug Discovery

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

Medicinal Chemist – Small Molecule Drug Discovery | LAXAI Life Sciences

Organization: LAXAI Life Sciences

Location: Turkapally, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, India

Research Area: Medicinal Chemistry | Drug Discovery | Small Molecule Design | Organic Synthesis | SAR | Hit-to-Lead | Lead Optimization

LAXAI Life Sciences, Hyderabad is looking for an experienced Medicinal Chemist to join its CRO - R&D Department.

The role involves designing and synthesizing novel small molecules, driving structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve potency and drug-like properties, and solving challenging synthetic chemistry problems. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with biologists, computational chemists, and DMPK scientists in a multidisciplinary drug discovery environment.

What You’ll Work On

Novel Small Molecule Design

Design and develop novel small molecules for drug discovery and research programs based on biological and medicinal chemistry objectives.

Multi-Step Organic Synthesis

Develop and execute multi-step organic synthesis routes, including reaction optimization and scale-up activities where required.

Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

Perform and contribute to structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve:

• Potency
• Selectivity
• Drug-like properties

Synthetic Route Development

Develop practical synthetic strategies for challenging molecules, including solving synthetic problems where established or published routes may not be available.

Analytical Data Interpretation

Analyze and interpret analytical data using techniques such as:

• NMR
• LC-MS
• HPLC
• GC and other relevant analytical techniques

Interdisciplinary Drug Discovery Research

Collaborate with:

• Biologists
• DMPK Scientists
• Analytical Scientists
• Other cross-functional research teams

Compound Evaluation

Prepare and provide compounds and intermediates for biological, pharmacological, and ADME/DMPK evaluation.

Research Documentation

Maintain accurate laboratory records, experimental procedures, compound inventories, and research documentation.

Present research findings and contribute to project discussions, reports, scientific documentation, and other research activities.

Laboratory Safety & Compliance

Follow laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling guidelines, and established regulatory and research protocols.

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry.
• 3–5 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule drug discovery.
• Experience designing and synthesizing novel small molecules.
• Strong understanding of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Experience in solving challenging organic and synthetic chemistry problems.
• Knowledge of multi-step organic synthesis and reaction optimization.
• Ability to analyze and interpret relevant analytical data.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong scientific communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and research documentation.

Additional Advantage

Prior experience in Hit-to-Lead (H2L) and Lead Optimization programs will be an added advantage.

An understanding of ADME/DMPK, pharmacology, and toxicology considerations will also be beneficial.

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to work in a professional CRO-based R&D environment.
• Hands-on experience in small molecule drug discovery.
• Exposure to advanced medicinal chemistry and molecular design strategies.
• Experience driving SAR and lead optimization programs.
• Collaboration opportunities with biologists, computational chemists, and DMPK scientists.
• Experience solving complex and challenging synthetic chemistry problems.
• Opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary drug discovery research projects.

Position: Medicinal Chemist

Organization: LAXAI Life Sciences

Department: CRO - R&D Department

Location: Turkapally, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, India

Experience: 3–5 Years

Qualification: Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry

Core Research Skills: Medicinal Chemistry | Small Molecule Design | Organic Synthesis | SAR | Drug Discovery

Research Area: Drug Discovery | Medicinal Chemistry | Hit-to-Lead | Lead Optimization | Pharmaceutical R&D

The role involves experience or expertise in:

• Medicinal chemistry
• Small molecule synthesis
• Organic synthesis
• Multi-step synthesis
• Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
• Reaction optimization
• NMR analysis
• LC-MS analysis
• HPLC analysis
• Compound characterization
• Drug-like property optimization
• Hit-to-Lead research
• Lead optimization
• ADME/DMPK concepts
• Laboratory documentation
• Scientific collaboration
• Research and project management