Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Bristol Myers Squibb EU Policy; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Flexible Time Off

Stock opportunities

Job summary

RayzeBio, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, is seeking a Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry in San Diego, CA. The role involves designing and synthesizing novel small molecules and peptide analogs for radiopharmaceutical therapies, with emphasis on SAR-driven optimization and collaboration across cross-functional teams.

The candidate should have strong synthesis, analytical skills (NMR, LC-MS), and a track record of productive bench work in a fast-paced biotech environment. com

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years in medicinal chemistry
• MS in Chemistry with 3+ years in R&D
• PhD preferred for advanced RPT/MediChem roles

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize small molecule and peptide analogs for SAR campaigns
• Independently plan organic synthesis routes and purification
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (DMPK, imaging, in vitro/vivo) to advance candidates
• Present data and contribute to IP filings and publications
• Maintain safety guidelines and high productivity in the lab

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

SAR analysis

NMR

HPLC/LC-MS

Synthesis

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

BS in Chemistry or related field

MS in Chemistry

PhD in relevant field

Tools

NMR

HPLC/LC-MS

Purification techniques

Job description

Life at BMS

At RayzeBio, every day is an opportunity to ignite meaningful change. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, RayzeBio blends the nimble, pioneering spirit of an emergent biotech with the global expertise and resources of a leading innovator in oncology. Our mission is to develop transformative radiopharmaceutical therapies that offer new hope for patients living with cancer. Here, you’ll join a multidisciplinary team where your ideas are valued, your expertise is amplified, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, expect to make an immediate impact-on our science, on our teams, and most importantly, on patients. Learn more about RayzeBio: https://careers.bms.com/rayzebio/

Life at BMS

At RayzeBio, every day is an opportunity to ignite meaningful change. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, RayzeBio blends the nimble, pioneering spirit of an emergent biotech with the global expertise and resources of a leading innovator in oncology. Our mission is to develop transformative radiopharmaceutical therapies that offer new hope for patients living with cancer. Here, you’ll join a multidisciplinary team where your ideas are valued, your expertise is amplified, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, expect to make an immediate impact-on our science, on our teams, and most importantly, on patients. Learn more about RayzeBio: https://careers.bms.com/rayzebio/

RayzeBio, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes. RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals

Scientist, Chemistry

Job Description

The Scientist will design and synthesize novel chemical constructs as potential new RPT therapies for cancer treatments. The Scientist I/II will be a highly motivated and technically skilled synthetic organic, peptide or medicinal chemist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates will work as part of a team of scientists to synthesize and design both small molecules and peptide analogs to optimize potency, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy of potential drug candidates. The role is highly technical and will need a person who enjoys working at the bench with high productivity and data analysis skills and a comfort level in working under tight timelines.

Job Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design and synthesize small molecule/novel peptide compounds in support of SAR campaigns for pipeline projects.
• Contribute towards developing SAR on assigned projects, design and synthesize key target molecules to assess chemical/biological hypothesis.
• Independently plan and execute organic synthesis routes for complex molecules. Utilize modern purification and analytical tools to support synthesis and characterization of target compounds.
• Work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to provide needed chemistry support to guide programs through lead identification/optimization phases.
• Work closely with chemists, DMPK, imaging and in vitro/vivo teams to ensure that target compounds are generated in a timely manner to support the screening funnel.
• Contribute experimental efforts in support of target selection and initiation of new RPT projects.
• Keep abreast of the literature in the field of RPTs, identify novel concepts and ideas to help advance the state of art in RPT field.
• Contribute towards IP filings and drafting of publications, presentations.
• Routinely present research findings, project updates in interdisciplinary team settings.
• Adhere rigorously to safety guidelines, regulatory standards and company policies and ensure a safe working environment.
• Uses AI tools to enhance individual productivity and quality of work

Education And Experience

• BS 5+ years
• or MS 3+ years
• or PhD 0 years

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in synthetic organic, medicinal, or peptide chemistry with 0-4+ years of post-PhD/postdoc experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotech R&D environments demonstrating successful accomplishments and productivity.
• Experience in working on targeted cancer therapy modalities such as RPTs, ADCs, PDCs is highly desirable.

Skills And Qualifications

• Well versed in modern synthetic organic/peptide/med chem principles and demonstrated track record of high productivity and achievements in the lab.
• Multi-step organic synthesis, structure-based drug design, and operation of analytical tools like NMR and HPLC/LC-MS.
• High scientific curiosity and a learning mindset coupled with strong technical problem-solving skills and strong understanding of the concepts of drug design, SAR analysis, ADME/PK is important.
• The ability to share data and collaborate with cross functional team members is critical as is the ability to effectively interpret data and plan experiments without supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. This is a position that requires working in a laboratory environment, protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working in a laboratory environment.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials - if this role excites you, but doesn't perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Compensation Overview

San Diego - CA - US: $118,259 - $143,302. The starting pay range(s) listed above is for full‑time employees (FTE). You may also be eligible for additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities. We determine starting pay thoughtfully – carefully considering the nature of the role, required skills, work location, schedule and the knowledge and experience you bring. Final compensation is guided by pay equity principles and applicable employment laws. Compensation programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted over time to reflect evolving market factors, and individual, team or Company performance.

Benefits

• Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, you may be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefit plans – including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).
• U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO), which provides paid time off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, along with 11 paid company holidays each year.
• Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico receive 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires (subject to manager approval), 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
• Depending on eligibility, employees may also have access to additional time‑off benefits, including paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs. Eligible employees also enjoy an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• U.S.-based job seekers can explore full benefit offerings at https://careers.bms.com/benefits

RayzeBio and Bristol Myers Squibb

RayzeBio was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2024 and is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of BMS; however, RayzeBio will continue to operate as a standalone organization.

Supporting People With Disabilities

BMS and RayzeBio are dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [e-mail]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS and RayzeBio will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection. Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

R1605076 : Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry