Computational Medicinal Chemist

Novartis; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 257,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Annual equity awards

Job summary

Novartis in San Diego invites a Senior Expert I/II, Data Science, to advance computer‑aided drug discovery with a blend of medicinal chemistry, biology and machine learning. The role blends experimental insight with digital methods to optimize targets and drug candidates across small molecules, peptides and more.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, publish findings and contribute to strategic discovery projects, within a hybrid work model and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, computational biology, or related field; strong computational background also acceptable.
• 3+ years of experience with drug discovery project teams.
• Proven innovation in analogue design impacting discovery projects.
• Familiarity with computational drug design tools (Schrödinger, CCG, OpenEye) and HPC environments.
• Strong publication history in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication and clinical focus in project support.

Responsibilities

• Design medicinal chemistry efforts applying SAR and structure‑based design and assess PK/PD and synthetic feasibility.
• Apply machine learning, active learning and physics‑based CADD methods to small molecule discovery.
• Incorporate biological insights into lead characterization and screening initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support target identification and lead optimization.
• Drive mechanistic studies using physics‑based modeling, biophysical methods and cellular validation.

Skills

Data visualization

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

PhD in medicinal chemistry

MS with 6+ years pharma/biotech experience

Tools

Schrödinger

OpenEye

CCG

HPC environments

Job description

Summary

Join our vibrant and innovative Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) team in California, where we bring together diverse talents to redefine the way Biomedical Research discovery teams validate and develop new targets. We are a driving force behind drug discovery, and we are now eagerly searching for an exceptional computational scientist like you to join our ranks.

Join our vibrant and innovative Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) team in California, where we bring together diverse talents to redefine the way Biomedical Research discovery teams validate and develop new targets. We are a driving force behind drug discovery, and we are now eagerly searching for an exceptional computational scientist like you to join our ranks.

Imagine the opportunity to unlock hidden knowledge and disruptive insights from the vast and invaluable data collected by one of the world's most renowned pharmaceutical companies. We need your expertise, experience, and unwavering passion to help us extract this wealth of information. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists, you will be at the forefront of crafting inventive solutions to the most pressing drug discovery challenges, forging new paths toward groundbreaking medicines.

Are you ready to seize this extraordinary chance to make a significant impact in the field of drug discovery? We invite you to embark on this thrilling journey with us, as we push the boundaries of what's possible in scientific exploration. Join our team and be part of a revolution that will shape the future of medicine.

Together, we will transform the landscape of drug discovery, accelerate breakthroughs, and change lives.

About The Role

Internal Job Title: Senior Expert I/II, Data Science

Position Location: San Diego, CA, hybrid

Your Responsibilities Include

• Drive the design of medicinal chemistry efforts by applying in-depth knowledge of structure-activity relationships (SAR), structure-based and ligand-based drug design, a profound understanding of target biology, and predictive methods for assessing on- and off‑target activity, physical properties, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and synthetic feasibility.
• Thrive at the intersection of experimental and groundbreaking digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on expertise in machine learning, active learning and physics‑based CADD methodologies as applied to small molecule drug discovery as well as in the induced proximity space.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and engage with internal and external scientists to incorporate biological insights into lead characterization and screening initiatives.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary project teams to facilitate effective decision‑making throughout the target identification, lead optimization and drug candidate nomination process. This involves applying and developing predictive models based on high‑content and time‑resolved screening data, including imaging techniques.
• Drive hypothesis generation to enhance clinical success rates for programs involving small molecules, peptides, RNAs, protein degradation, molecular glues, transient covalent inhibitors, and kinetic stabilization of drug‑target complexes.
• Take a leading role in cross‑disciplinary mechanistic studies using physics‑based modeling and simulation, biophysical characterization, and cellular validation. These studies will inform the strategic targeting strategies of discovery projects, aiming for optimal mechanisms of action (MoAs).

Essential Requirements

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, computational biology, computational chemical biology, or a related field. Candidates with a laboratory‑based background in chemistry and biology, supplemented with strong computational experience, are also encouraged to apply. We will also consider MS applicants with 6+ years of relevant Pharma/biotech experience.
• 3+ years of experience working with project teams in a drug discovery environment.
• Proven track record of innovation through analogue design, leading to significant impact on discovery projects.
• Familiarity with computational drug design tools (e.g. Schrdoinger, CCG, OpenEye, etc.), high‑performance computing environments, and strong publication history in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Proactively anticipates project needs with a clinical focus.
• Demonstrates rigor and diligence in idea substantiation, analogue design, and experimentation.
• Strong team orientation with multitasking and adaptability in support and leadership roles.
• Effective listener with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in data visualization to effectively communicate insights.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $126,000 and $234,000 USD annually for Senior Expert I, Data Science, and $138,600 and $257,400 USD annually for Senior Expert II, Data Science. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations:

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to [email protected] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.