Scientist I

Cytokinetics; California (MO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Medicinal Chemistry Scientist I to design and synthesize small molecule therapeutics for cardiovascular and neuromuscular indications. The role emphasizes rapid synthesis, data-driven design, and cross-team collaboration in a cutting-edge environment.

Based in South San Francisco, the position offers a comprehensive salary with stock options, benefits, and bonuses, reflecting seniority and the impact of your discoveries on the portfolio strategy.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry (or MS with relevant experience).
• Expertise in organic synthesis and analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC).
• Emerging proficiency in multi-parameter optimization and computational chemistry.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform rapid synthesis of drug candidates.
• Contribute to next-generation compound design using medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and physicochemical data.
• Develop purification methods.
• Integrate biological and DMPK feedback into design decisions using computational tools.
• Collaborate across chemistry, biology, DMPK, and computational teams.
• Document findings thoroughly.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC)

Computational chemistry

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Job description

Medicinal Chemistry Scientist I

focused on designing and synthesizing small molecule therapeutics for cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases.

Responsibilities

• perform rapid synthesis of drug candidates
• contribute to next-generation compound design using medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and physicochemical data
• develop purification methods
• integrate biological and DMPK feedback into design decisions employing computational tools
• collaborate across chemistry, biology, DMPK, and computational teams
• document findings thoroughly

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry (or M.S. with relevant experience)
• expertise in organic synthesis, analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC)
• emerging proficiency in multi-parameter optimization and computational chemistry
• strong communication skills

Preferred: experience with structure-based design and modern synthetic methods relevant to lead optimization.

High-Value: focus on small molecule lead discovery for cardiovascular and neuromuscular indications, leveraging multidisciplinary collaboration, and applying advanced analytical and computational methods.

Work setup: based in South San Francisco, CA, with expected salary range $135,000-$157,500, inclusive of stock options, benefits, and bonuses.