Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

Elanco; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco Bengaluru is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to drive design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for animal health. You will guide SAR studies, collaborate with a global team, and leverage DEL/AI-ML tools to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.

This role offers growth within a dynamic research group, with hybrid work in Bengaluru and a strong emphasis on data integrity, experimental design, and external CRO partnerships to

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry within pharmaceutical, animal health, or crop science research environment.
• Top skills include complex multi-step organic synthesis and understanding of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

Responsibilities

• Guide the design of novel small molecules and SAR studies by integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data into iterative design strategies.
• Coordinate synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds with external CROs and internal partners to ensure timely delivery.
• Apply DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML-enabled molecular design tools to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams with Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance programs.
• Maintain high standards of experimental design, data integrity, and scientific documentation for data-driven judgments.

Skills

SAR design

Organic synthesis

Cross-functional collaboration

AI/ML in drug design

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or Organic Chemistry

Tools

DNA-Encoded Libraries

AI/ML tools for molecular design

Job description

Senior Research Scientist – Medicinal Chemistry

As a Senior Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, you will be an integral member of our small molecule drug discovery engine, contributing to the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel medicines for animal health. You will apply your expertise to advance therapeutic programs by guiding Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) studies and collaborating closely with a global, cross‑functional team of scientists. Leveraging modern technologies like AI/ML and DNA‑Encoded Libraries, you will help solve complex chemical challenges and make a meaningful impact on our discovery portfolio. This role offers a significant opportunity for growth as part of a dynamic and expanding research team.

Your Responsibilities

• Guide the design of novel small molecules and propel Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) studies by integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data into iterative design strategies.
• Manage and coordinate the synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners to ensure timely project delivery.
• Apply advanced drug discovery technologies, including DNA‑Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML‑enabled molecular design tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
• Collaborate as a key member of multidisciplinary project teams, partnering with scientists in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance discovery programs.
• Maintain high standards of experimental design, data integrity, and scientific documentation to support data‑driven judgments across the discovery portfolio.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, animal health, or crop science research environment.
• Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in complex multi‑step organic synthesis and modern medicinal chemistry, with a strong understanding of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and manage external CRO partnerships to advance discovery projects.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in learning, advanced discovery technologies such as DNA‑Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML applications.
• A track record of contributing to small‑molecule programs that have advanced into preclinical development.
• Prior experience in the animal health industry.
• Expertise in peptide chemistry and optimization.

Location

Elanco IAC, Bengaluru – Hybrid Work Environment

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.