Senior / Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Altos Labs; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 316,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs seeks a talented Medicinal Chemist to advance small-molecule drug discovery from hit identification to lead optimization. You will design drug-like molecules, synthesize analogs, and interpret SAR data in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

You will work with cross-functional teams to address potency, ADMET, and physicochemical challenges, and may lead chemistry programs with external CROs. Excellent communication and leadership potential are expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 6+ years post-Ph.D. experience.
• Proven expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
• Experience in drug discovery from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Structure-based drug design experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with problem-solving abilities.
• Leadership potential including managing CRO chemistry resources.

Responsibilities

• Drive Drug Discovery Programs by designing drug-like molecules and optimizing compounds toward a development candidate.
• Collaborate with diverse functions including DMPK, Structural Biology, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, ML, Safety, and Biology.
• Design and synthesize novel compounds using structure-, computation-, and property-based methods; perform multi-step syntheses.
• Analyze SAR data to guide design decisions and program direction.
• Address potency, physical properties, and ADMET challenges through creative chemistry.
• Support chemistry operations in internal labs and with CROs; provide broad chemistry support.
• Deliver clear scientific presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership toward leading chemistry programs and CRO management.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Synthesis

SAR analysis

Structure-based design

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Computational design tools

Job description

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore cell health and resilience through cell rejuvenation to reverse disease, injury, and the disabilities that can occur throughout life.

For more information, see our website at altoslabs.com.

Our Value

Our Single Altos Value: Everyone Owns Achieving Our Inspiring Mission.

Diversity at Altos

Altos Labs has been named one of the Top 3 Biotech Companies and ranked for the second year on the Forbes 2026 Best Startups in America list. At Altos, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.

What You Will Contribute To Altos

We are seeking a talented and passionate Medicinal Chemist to join our small-molecule drug discovery team. In this role, you will advance science and develop life-changing medicines. You will impact all stages of drug discovery, from hit identification to lead optimization, within a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities Include:

• Drive Drug Discovery Programs: Contribute to the chemistry efforts for one or more drug discovery programs, focusing on designing drug-like molecules and optimizing compounds towards drug development candidate selection.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with a diverse range of functions, including Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Structural Biology, Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Machine Learning, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Safety, and disease area Biology.
• Design and Synthesize Novel Compounds: Apply innovative structure-based, computational, and property-based design tools and methods, and/or synthesize analogs for molecular targets. This includes conducting multi-step syntheses, retrosynthetic analysis of complex molecules, and troubleshooting synthetic issues internally or with CRO partners.
• Analyze and Interpret Data: Utilize strong analytical thinking skills to organize, analyze and communicate structure-activity relationship (SAR) data sets to drive design ideas and impact program direction.
• Solve Complex Problems: Design compounds that effectively address challenges related to potency, physical properties, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity).
• Support Chemistry Operations: Execute synthesis within internal laboratories, collaborate with Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and provide broad general chemistry support to all functions within Altos Labs.
• Communicate and Present: Deliver effective presentations and articulate scientific findings clearly to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Potential for Leadership: Demonstrate leadership potential towards leading chemistry programs, including managing external CRO chemistry FTEs.

Who You Are

• Education and Experience: You possess a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 6+ years of post-Ph.D. experience, or equivalent and relevant experience in chemical research, preferably within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
• Expertise in Synthetic/Medicinal Chemistry: You have proven expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, demonstrated by a strong track record of lead author publications and/or patents and an understanding of medicinal chemistry principles.
• Drug Discovery Acumen: You have experience in the drug discovery process from hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization.
• Structure-Based Drug Design: Experienced with structure-based drug design.
• Strong Communicator: You convey strong verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to deliver effective presentations.
• Problem-Solver: You exhibit contemporary expertise and understanding of all aspects of organic chemistry, including modern synthetic methodologies, multi-step synthetic route design, compound purification, and characterization.
• Collaborative Team Player: You are highly collaborative, team-oriented, and considerate of the needs of the team.
• Results-Oriented: You are fearless in your pursuit of groundbreaking innovations and passionate about creating revolutionary medicines to address unmet patient needs.

The salary range for Redwood City, CA:

• Senior Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry: $174,800 - $224,100
• Senior Scientist II, Medicinal Chemistry: $215,200 - $275,900
• Principal Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry: $246,600 - $316,100

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We value collaboration and scientific excellence.

We believe that a culture of belonging are foundational to scientific innovation and inquiry. At Altos Labs, exceptional scientists and industry leaders from around the world work together to advance a shared mission. Our intentional focus is on Belonging, so that all employees know that they are valued for their unique perspectives. We are all accountable for sustaining an inclusive environment.

Altos Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Altosprohibitsunlawful discrimination and harassment.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Thank you for your interest in Altos Labs where we strive for a culture of scientific excellence, learning, and belonging.