Senior Medicinal Chemistry Lead – Small-Molecule Discovery

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to provide scientific leadership across discovery programs. You will design and optimize small-molecule therapeutics, guiding synthesis and leading cross-functional teams to drive progress from discovery through candidate selection.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, SAR interpretation, and collaboration with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharma sciences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor’s degree with 11+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Experience leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams including in matrixed settings.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
• Design, prioritize, and guide synthesis of novel compounds to optimize potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and developability.
• Interpret and integrate SAR, structural biology, DMPK, pharmacology, and safety data to drive compound design and progression.
• Partner closely with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership to internal and external chemistry resources.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members.
• Communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.
• Support intellectual property strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Organic synthesis

Small-molecule drug discovery

Lead optimization

SAR analysis

Compound design

Candidate selection

DMPK/ADME collaboration

Drug property optimization

Patent support

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Master’s degree with 9+ years of experience

Bachelor’s degree with 11+ years of experience

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to provide scientific leadership across discovery programs. You will design and optimize small-molecule therapeutics, guiding synthesis and leading cross-functional teams to drive progress from discovery through candidate selection.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, SAR interpretation, and collaboration with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharma sciences.