Senior Computational Chemist - Drug Design

Topia Life Sciences; Ahmedabad District; In loco; INR 1.500.000 - 3.000.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Healthcare benefits

Equity options

Flexible working hours

Global network of experts

Descrizione del lavoro

Topia Life Sciences is seeking a (Senior) Computational Chemist, Drug Design to lead small-molecule discovery programs within the SMAG team. Based in Ahmedabad, you will drive design strategy and integrate AI/ML with physics-based methods to advance drug candidates from Hit ID to Lead optimization.

You will collaborate with AI/ML engineers, data scientists, and cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven insights, while mentoring computational chemistry operations in Ahmedabad and expanding

Competenze

• PhD or equivalent in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field.
• 8+ years in Biotech/Pharma/CRO across Drug Discovery from Hit ID to Lead optimization.
• Expertise in virtual screening, structure-based design using physics-based and ML approaches, and generative AI for molecular design.
• Proven QSAR modeling with ML/deep learning.
• Proficient in Python for analysis and tool development.
• Excellent communicator with global-team collaboration.

Mansioni

• Plan and execute design strategy to deliver novel clinical candidates.
• Lead hit-ID campaigns and guide Tech-led discovery approaches.
• Embed AI/ML, physics-based MD into computational chemistry workflows across SMAG.
• Provide strategic technical direction to drug-design programs.
• Interpret predicted data to inform program planning and decisions.
• Represent Topia in the scientific community.
• Support SMAG platform and Engineering teams to deliver custom analytics.
• Drive data-driven delivery of high-quality scientific solutions.

Conoscenze

AI/ML in Drug Design

Python scripting

Structure-based design

Virtual screening

QSAR modeling

Medicinal chemistry

Project leadership

Communication

Formazione

PhD in Computational/Chemistry

Strumenti

Python

Molecular docking

Free-energy calculations

Descrizione del lavoro

Topia Life Sciences ltd, headquartered in WGC, is an innovation-driven TechBio company established in 2021. We specialise in accelerating Drug Discovery through advanced AI technologies, scientific expertise and strategic collaborations. At the heart of our operations is SMAG (Smart Molecule Generation), a proprietary AI platform that integrates data analytics, molecular simulation and AI-driven modelling to streamline drug design, repurposing, toxicity prediction and optimisation of therapeutic candidates.With a growing pipeline of small molecule Programs and services, our mission is to transform Healthcare by reducing Discovery timelines and improving Therapeutic solutions to patients. We foster a collaborative culture and actively pursue strategic alliances to amplify our global impact in Biotech and Pharma.

About the role

We are seeking a (Senior) Computational Chemist, Drug Design to complement Topia Tech Operations (full time role). Specialised in Computational Chemistry of smallmolecule therapeutics, the ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading both drug projects and evolving Physics-based and AI/ML Tech for drug design.As a key member of Topia SMAG team, you will drive complex projects from earlyDiscovery through to candidate selection. You will leverage your experience C expertise in strategic management across Programs, while integrating Structural Biology insights, BioInformatics knowledge C Physics-based and AI/ML methods in the Drug Discovery process.This role is critical in delivering Topia pipeline of internal and partnered projects while having an impact on expanding Topia Tech Infrastructure. This is a pivotal role for an experienced drug hunter and motivated scientific leader to evolve the status quo of Drug Discovery at the interface of Computational Chemistry and AI Technology.This Ahmedabad-based position reports directly to SMAG team leader.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible to plan and execute collaboratively the Design strategy, including hit identification campaign, of small molecule, providing scientific direction for Topia Tech pipeline. Working alongside AI/ML Engineers C Data scientists, you will play a critical role in driving project success while mentoring Topia ComputationalOperations based in Ahmedabad, fostering alignment across all Tech disciplines and Topia Program Leadership.If you are a skilled Computational Chemist with track record experience and a passion for Tech-led drug Design in a dynamic organisation, this role offers the opportunity for impact and growth.

More specifically,

• Plan C execute computational design strategy to deliver novel Clinical
• Candidates, by deploying your knowledge of Tech-led Discovery approaches and Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• Establish principles for embedding innovative AI/ML, Physics-based, MD into computational chemistry workflows, ensuring seamless integration across SMAG Tech, Chemistry C Pharmacology teams.
• Apply AI-first approaches to provide technical C strategic directions, and execute drug design programs
• Ensure Data Management processes evolve to support Topia infrastructure for drug design
• Analyse and interpret predicted data to inform the Program Lead for planning C decision-making, ensuring integration of scientific insights.
• Collaborate across Topia functions to support data-driven delivery of high-quality scientific solutions to complex Technical problems.
• Represent Topia raising awareness about Topia Tech in scientific community
• Provide strategic input and technical direction to our SMAG platform team and Engineering team to develop custom-made solutions for Computational and Synthetic Chemistry analytics.
• Monitor Computational Chemistry Performance deliverables for Program execution and Efficiency projects, provide support to remove operational bottlenecks.
• Act as Topia Scientific Excellences ambassador, promoting our culture of inclusion internally.

Qualifications & Skills

• 8+ years professional experience in either Biotech, Pharma or CRO industry covering all stages of the Drug Discovery process, from Hit ID to Lead Optimisation and Candidate Selection.
• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry or related field; technical knowledge and hands on experience in AI/ML driven DD is compulsory
• Proven expertise in virtual screening, ligand and structure-based small molecule Design using physics-based and ML approaches, as well as generative AI methods for molecular design (cofolding, ligand-pose scoring methods, molecular modeling, free-energy calculations) .
• Track record of developing QSAR models using ML or deep learning methods.
• Expertise in writing and implementing Python scripts for analysis and tool development and to support ChemiInformatics C Design workflows.
• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles including RetroSynthesis, CMC C DMPK.
• Keen interest for applying Tech across the decision-making process of Drug Discovery.
• Track record of scientific publication/Tech blog as main author.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented global environment; strong analytical skills and a result-driven mindset
• Enthusiastic about external partnerships and leveraging business partners unique capabilities to advance partnered Programs

What we offer

• Competitive salary, including healthcare benefits, performance-based bonuses and equity options
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking AI innovations in Healthcare and strategic influence over the expansion of an AI-native TechBio organisation spearheading Precision Design of new drugs
• Collaborative culture with access to a global network of experts
• Professional development and involvement in high impact projects.