Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Competitive compensation

Professional development stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to join a fully remote, virtual research team focused on drug discovery. The role emphasizes applying advanced computational methods to predict molecular properties, design novel candidates, and interpret experimental results.

Ideal candidates possess a PhD with 6+ years in computational chemistry, expertise in molecular modeling tools, and programming skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in computational chemistry focused on drug discovery.
• Proficiency with molecular modeling suites and cheminformatics toolkits.
• Strong background in quantum/statistical mechanics and organic chemistry.
• Programming in Python, Perl, or C++ for scripting and data analysis.
• Proven ability to communicate complex science to diverse teams.
• Track record of successful research contributions.
• Excellent problem-solving and remote-working capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute computational chemistry studies including modeling, virtual screening, and QSAR.
• Develop predictive models for ADMET and binding affinities.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret data from simulations and experiments.
• Stay current with advances in computational chemistry software and methods.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to teams and management.
• Contribute to best practices and novel computational approaches.
• Ensure efficient use of computational resources.

Skills

Python

Perl

C++

Communication

Independent work

Education

PhD in Computational Chemistry or related field

Tools

Schrödinger

MOE

AMBER

GROMACS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical research company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Computational Chemist to join their dynamic virtual research team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will play a crucial role in the drug discovery process by applying advanced computational methods to predict molecular properties, design novel drug candidates, and interpret experimental results. This role requires a strong foundation in chemistry, deep expertise in computational modeling techniques, and a passion for leveraging digital tools to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. You will work closely with experimental chemists and biologists to guide research efforts and identify promising avenues for therapeutic development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute computational chemistry studies, including molecular modeling, virtual screening, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis.
• Develop and apply predictive models for ADMET properties and target binding affinities.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to design novel small molecule drug candidates with desired properties.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets generated from simulations and experiments.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational chemistry software, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to internal project teams and management.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and novel computational approaches within the team.
• Ensure the efficient and effective use of computational resources.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in computational chemistry, with a focus on drug discovery.
• Proficiency in molecular modeling software suites (e.g., Schrödinger, MOE, AMBER, GROMACS) and cheminformatics toolkits.
• Strong understanding of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and organic chemistry principles.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Perl, or C++ for script development and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to both computational and experimental scientists.
• Proven track record of successful project contributions in a research environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees are eligible for a retirement savings plan with employer contributions and enjoy generous paid time off. Our client supports continuous learning through access to online courses, webinars, and opportunities to attend virtual conferences. You will have the flexibility to work from your preferred location, enjoying a significant work-life balance. We provide stipends for home office equipment and internet connectivity. Join a collaborative and innovative virtual team focused on making a real impact in pharmaceutical research.