Senior Medicinal Chemist - Oncology Targeted Molecules

Scorpion Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401k

ESPP

Wellness programs

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a discovery medicinal chemist to support oncology programs, delivering high-quality molecules and proposing target designs to overcome liabilities. You will work with cross-functional teams to meet drug discovery goals.

You will apply modern synthesis, design routes to avoid liabilities, troubleshoot transformations, and deliver molecules from 10 mg to >25 g while ensuring safety and robust records. Expect dynamic collaboration and clear data presentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry; 0–3 years pharmaceutical industry medicinal chemistry experience.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry expertise (asymmetric reactions, modern cross-coupling); knowledge of chemistry literature; proficiency in purification and spectroscopic characterization.
• Ability to keep good scientific records.
• Proven high lab productivity synthesizing complex structures with strong safety standards.
• Ability to develop new practical, scalable chemistry.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills; practical, creative solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities in a fast-paced environment, and work well in multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of medicinal chemistry concepts: structure-based design, SAR-driven design, multi-parameter optimization, physicochemical properties, and ADME/pharmacology principles.
• Desire to continually learn and stay current in drug discovery and structure-based design.

Responsibilities

• Apply modern synthetic techniques to prepare complex chemical targets and deliver high-quality molecules at a productive rate.
• Design reaction sequences to avoid known liabilities and reduce difficult purifications.
• Gather reaction information quickly and troubleshoot problematic transformations.
• Plan ahead and multitask in and out of the lab.
• Deliver molecules on scales from 10 mg to >25 g.
• Support and manage external synthetic chemistry resources for high productivity.
• Use SAR data and medicinal chemistry knowledge to propose targets addressing critical issues.
• Use structure-based design skills to improve affinity and selectivity.
• Present results clearly and concisely in various forums.

Skills

Lab productivity

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Medicinal chemistry

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry

Tools

Purification techniques

Spectroscopy

Job description

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a discovery medicinal chemist to support oncology programs, delivering high-quality molecules and proposing target designs to overcome liabilities. You will work with cross-functional teams to meet drug discovery goals.

You will apply modern synthesis, design routes to avoid liabilities, troubleshoot transformations, and deliver molecules from 10 mg to >25 g while ensuring safety and robust records. Expect dynamic collaboration and clear data presentation.