Medicinal Chemistry Senior Principal Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Educational assistance including loan复

Company shutdown in Summer and Winter

Matching charitable donations

Paid time off

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to lead design and optimization of small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs. You will guide synthesis, interpret SAR and DMPK data, and partner across biology, toxicology, and pharma sciences to drive candidate progression.

The role emphasizes on-site lab work (roughly 75%), scientific leadership, and mentorship within a fast-paced matrixed environment. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 6+ years postdoctoral industry experience, or Master's with 9+ years, or Bachelor's with 11+ years.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Experience leading cross-functional and matrixed teams; strong communication and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs toward portfolio objectives.
• Design, prioritize, and guide synthesis of novel compounds to optimize potency and developability.
• Interpret SAR, structural biology, DMPK, pharmacology, and safety data to drive design.
• Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharma sciences to advance goals.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership to internal and external chemistry resources.
• Mentor and develop chemistry team members.
• Communicate strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support intellectual property strategy 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 9+ years of experience)

Bachelor's degree (with 11+ years of experience)

Job description

Job Description

Vertex is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to provide scientific leadership in the design and optimization of small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs. Leading from the lab, this role will play a critical part in advancing high-quality drug candidates from early discovery through candidate selection, while partnering across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex scientific challenges.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished medicinal chemist with deep expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, a strong record of scientific innovation, and demonstrated success in a fast-paced and matrixed research environment. This is an on-site role with approximately 75% of time being spent in the lab.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
• Design, prioritize, and guide synthesis of novel compounds to optimize potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and developability.
• Interpret and integrate SAR, structural biology, DMPK, pharmacology, and safety data to drive compound design and progression.
• Partner closely with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership to internal and external chemistry resources.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members.
• 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 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; Master's degree with 9+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor's degree with 11+ 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.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

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

$164,400 - $246,600

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]