Senior Principal Medicinal Chemist — Drug Discovery Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC in San Diego is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to lead the design and optimization of small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs, advancing candidates from early discovery through selection. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a track record of scientific innovation in a fast-paced environment.

The candidate will guide synthesis, interpret SAR and DMPK data, and partner with biology,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 6+ years of postdoctoral industry experience; Master’s with 9+ years; or Bachelor’s with 11+ years.
• 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.

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 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 scientific discipline

Significant postdoctoral industry experience (6+ years)

Master’s degree with 9+ years of industry experience

Bachelor’s degree with 11+ years of industry experience

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC in San Diego is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to lead the design and optimization of small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs, advancing candidates from early discovery through selection. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a track record of scientific innovation in a fast-paced environment.

The candidate will guide synthesis, interpret SAR and DMPK data, and partner with biology,