Research Scientist

Sotalent; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Sotalent is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead Cheminformatics and Computational Discovery efforts in a fast-paced biopharmaceutical setting. The role emphasizes a prediction-priority approach, bridging medicinal chemistry with advanced computational modeling to accelerate therapeutic breakthroughs.

The candidate will design scalable workflows, apply ML to molecular design, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate computational tools into the DMTA cycle.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a quantitative field relevant to cheminformatics or computational chemistry.
• Post-PhD experience of 2+ years in biotech or pharma.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills; able to build scalable automated workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and automate sophisticated cheminformatics pipelines and data visualization platforms.
• Develop and deploy machine learning models to optimize molecular design.
• Collaborate with Global Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK and AI/ML teams across DMTA cycle.
• Stay at the forefront of generative chemistry and AI-driven discovery methods.
• Analyze DEL data using deep learning to enhance hit identification.

Skills

Python (RDKit)

R

C++

Education

PhD in Cheminformatics/Computational Chemistry/CS or related quantitative field

Tools

RDKit

Job description

Title: Senior Scientist – Cheminformatics & Computational Discovery

Sector: Global Biopharmaceutical

About the Opportunity:

We are partnering with a world-class global pharmaceutical leader to identify an innovative Senior Scientist to join their Cheminformatics and Data Science division. This is a high-impact role aimed at championing a "prediction-priority" approach to drug discovery. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional medicinal chemistry and advanced computational modeling to accelerate life-changing therapeutic breakthroughs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Workflow Innovation: Design, automate, and implement sophisticated cheminformatics pipelines and data visualization platforms to empower discovery teams.
• Predictive Modeling: Develop and deploy machine learning models to optimize molecular design, drawing insights from massive chemical and biological datasets.
• Strategic Collaboration: Act as a key scientific partner to Global Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, and AI/ML teams, identifying specific entry points in the DMTA (Design-Make-Test-Analyze) cycle where computational tools can reduce timelines.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Stay at the forefront of generative chemistry, large-scale chemical space exploration, and AI-driven discovery methods.
• DEL Expertise: Utilize computational methodologies to analyze DNA Encoded Library (DEL) data and apply Deep Learning techniques to enhance hit identification.

Candidate Profile:

• Education: PhD in Cheminformatics, Computational Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Experience: A minimum of 2+ years of post-PhD experience within a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Technical Skills: Expert-level proficiency in Python (specifically RDKit) or other languages like R or C++. Proven ability to build scalable, automated workflows.
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of the drug discovery lifecycle and a track record of applying predictive tools to real-world design problems.
• Niche Skills (Preferred): Experience with Multi-task Deep Learning and DEL data analysis is highly desirable.

Why Join This Team?

My client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including robust short-term and long-term incentives. You will be joining an environment that values transparency and equity, providing top-tier medical/dental/vision coverage, generous 401(k) matching, and significant paid time off. This is a chance to work for a company that invests heavily in its talent and provides a clear roadmap for professional growth within the computational sciences.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.