Director, Small-Molecule Discovery & Lead Optimization

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule discovery programs and shape chemistry strategy. You will manage a team, drive design and optimization, and partner with cross-functional groups to advance candidates in a fast-paced environment.

The role is on-site in San Diego, with exposure to senior leadership and opportunities to influence global programs. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and mentoring skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related discipline with 9+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; or a Master’s degree with 12+ years; or a Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of 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.

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 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 with 12+ years of industry experience

Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of industry experience

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule discovery programs and shape chemistry strategy. You will manage a team, drive design and optimization, and partner with cross-functional groups to advance candidates in a fast-paced environment.

The role is on-site in San Diego, with exposure to senior leadership and opportunities to influence global programs. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and mentoring skills are essential for success.