Director, Medicinal Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role

Annual bonus eligibility

Equity awards

Medical, dental & vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Commuting subsidy

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule discovery programs and define strategic chemistry direction. The role combines people management with hands-on design and optimization, driving candidates from discovery to selection in a fast-paced research environment.

You will guide SAR, collaborate across biology, DMPK and toxicology, mentor scientists, and partner with external collaborators to advance portfolio goals.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
• Drive compound design, synthesis, and optimization to advance development candidates.
• Guide SAR strategy and data-driven decision-making to support candidate selection.
• Partner 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.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Organic synthesis

Small-molecule drug discovery

Lead optimization

SAR analysis

Compound design

Candidate selection

DMPK/ADME collaboration

Drug property optimization

Patent support

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Master's degree + 12+ years industry experience

Bachelor's degree + 15+ years industry 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 with an approximate 50% lab time commitment.

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

• Medicinal chemistry
• Organic synthesis
• Small-molecule drug discovery
• Lead optimization
• SAR analysis
• Compound design
• Candidate selection
• DMPK/ADME collaboration
• Drug property optimization
• Patent support

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.

Company Culture

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision‑making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

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.

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]