Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 296,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role

Total rewards benefits

Commuting subsidy

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Director, Medicinal Chemistry to provide people management and strategic leadership for small-molecule discovery programs and to help advance compounds from early discovery through candidate selection. This role defines strategy, leads design and optimization, and partners with cross-functional teams to drive programs toward development candidates.

The successful candidate will manage a team, bring deep scientific expertise, and demonstrate a track record of advancing

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 9+ years in industry for leadership in medicinal chemistry.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule discovery.
• Proven ability to mentor scientists and lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for discovery programs.
• Drive design, synthesis, and optimization of lead compounds.
• Mentor chemistry team and manage external collaborations.
• Communicate strategy and data to senior leadership.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship

Communication

Strategic leadership

Drug development knowledge

Education

PhD in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Job description

Vertex is seeking a Director, Medicinal Chemistry to provide people management and strategic leadership for small-molecule discovery programs and to help advance compounds from early discovery through candidate selection. This role is responsible for defining and executing medicinal chemistry strategy, leading compound design and optimization, and advancing programs through close partnership with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will manage a team and bring deep scientific expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of advancing discovery-stage programs in a fast-paced research environment. This is an on-site role.

Key Responsibilities

Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives. Drive compound design, synthesis, and optimization to advance high-quality development candidates. Guide SAR strategy and data-driven decision-making to support candidate selection. Partner closely with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals. Integrate developability, drug property, and translational considerations into chemistry strategy. Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members. Manage external collaborators and contribute to productive research partnerships. Communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams. Support intellectual property strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills

• Established prowess integrating the activities of distinct functional groups across multiple projects
• Greater aptitude for identifying productive new research initiatives/directions
• Experienced mentor who effectively infuses confidence and team commitment
• Exhibits a record of excellent operational and ethical standards, and team-improvement
• Scientifically diverse, authoritative and effective communicator
• Possesses greater knowledge of drug Development Programs and a keener awareness of issues therein
• High distinction achieved resolving important organizational problems and/or infusing innovation

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 9+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule-drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Experience leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams including in matrixed settings.
• Proven ability to mentor scientists and provide strategic scientific leadership.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

#LI-KM1 #LI-Onsite

Pay Range

$197,600 - $296,400 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Benefits

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

On-Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.