Director, Medicinal Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule discovery programs and guide chemistry strategy from discovery through candidate selection. The role involves managing a team, providing strategic scientific leadership, and partnering with cross-functional teams to advance programs in a fast-paced research environment.

The position is on-site and requires deep expertise in medicinal chemistry, leadership, and collaboration across disciplines to drive

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 9+ years of postdoctoral industry experience.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule-drug discovery.
• Proven ability to mentor scientists and provide strategic scientific leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs.
• Drive design, synthesis, and optimization to advance development candidates.
• Guide SAR strategy and data-driven decisions for candidate selection.
• Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance goals.
• Integrate developability and drug-property considerations into chemistry strategy.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to chemistry team members.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry leadership

Strategic mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

People management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry with 12+ years experience

BS in Chemistry with 15+ years experience

Job description

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.

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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

• 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.

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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 ac