AI-Driven Medicinal Chemist, Life Sciences

Anthropic Limited; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 192,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Anthropic Limited in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks a Research Scientist in Life Sciences (Chemistry) to lead medicinal chemistry programs that integrate AI insights with hands-on synthesis. You will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize small molecules, evaluate AI-proposed routes, and drive experiments end-to-end in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

The role emphasizes SAR-driven optimization, cross-functional collaboration with AI researchers, and clear scientific

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry with hands-on medicinal chemistry experience.
• SAR-driven design and optimization of small molecules.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with AI researchers.
• Experience coordinating external CROs or partners is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design multi-step synthetic routes for small molecules and oversee execution.
• Evaluate AI-designed molecules and proposed synthetic routes with experimental readout.
• Coordinate synthesis and biological evaluation with external partners.
• Apply medicinal chemistry principles to compound design and prioritization.
• Ensure high-quality, well-documented experimental data across programs.
• Communicate findings clearly to chemistry, AI, and life sciences teams.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to strategy discussions.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

SAR analysis

Synthesis experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

RDKit

Pandas

Job description

Anthropic Limited in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks a Research Scientist in Life Sciences (Chemistry) to lead medicinal chemistry programs that integrate AI insights with hands-on synthesis. You will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize small molecules, evaluate AI-proposed routes, and drive experiments end-to-end in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

The role emphasizes SAR-driven optimization, cross-functional collaboration with AI researchers, and clear scientific