Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Centessa Pharmaceuticals; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks a senior leader to guide CNS GPCR drug discovery, advancing small-molecule candidates from hit-to-lead to IND-ready. You will lead internal and CRO chemistry teams, shape strategy, and work with multidisciplinary groups to translate SAR and ADME data into robust programs.

The role emphasizes remote leadership of biotech teams, leveraging structure-based design and AI-driven tools, with travel as needed and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemistry required; PhD preferred.
• 10+ years in medicinal chemistry with leadership experience in biotech/pharma.
• Expertise in CNS targets, drug discovery stages, synthetic chemistry, pharmacology, ADME and IP.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and CRO-based chemistry teams; prioritize work and resolve synthetic challenges.
• Develop new molecules aligned with target profiles and hit-to-IND progression.
• Analyze SAR and ADME data to guide decisions.
• Leverage structure-based design and computational tools.
• Communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Leadership

CNS targets

Structure-based design

Computational tools

Education

BS/MS in Chemistry

PhD preferred

Tools

Computational tools

Job description

Role

Lead medicinal chemistry efforts within a CNS GPCR drug discovery program, guiding small‑molecule candidate progression from hit-to-lead to IND-ready.

Responsibilities

• Manage internal and CRO-based chemistry teams, prioritize work, resolve synthetic challenges, and develop new molecules aligned with target profiles
• Contribute to strategy and IP development
• Analyze SAR and ADME data
• Leverage structure‑based design and computational tools
• Communicate findings to multidisciplinary teams

Requirements

• BS/MS in Chemistry
• PhD preferred
• 10+ years in medicinal chemistry, with leadership experience, especially in biotech/pharma
• Expertise in CNS targets, drug discovery stages, synthetic chemistry, pharmacology, ADME, and IP
• Proven ability to lead remote teams and manage outsourced chemistry vendors
• Strong problem‑solving, innovation mindset, and effective communication skills

High Value

• CNS
• neurodegenerative or sleep‑wake disorders
• small molecules
• hit‑to‑IND progression
• experience with digital tools and AI in drug discovery

Work Setup

Remote with occasional travel; salary $150K-$210K plus bonus and benefits.