Director of Medicinal Chemistry — Lead Small Molecule Discovery

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 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