Senior / Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Altos Labs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 316,000; Full time

Job summary

Altos Labs in Redwood City/San Diego seeks a Senior/Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to advance small-molecule drug discovery from hit-to-lead. You will design drug-like molecules, optimize compounds, and collaborate across DMPK, structural biology, pharmacology, machine learning, and safety functions.

You are an accomplished organic chemist with a Ph.D. and 6+ years post-Ph.D. experience, skilled in structure-based design, and capable of leading chemistry programs and CRO partnerships.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 6+ years post-Ph.D. experience or equivalent in chemical research.
• Proven expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry with a track record of publications or patents.
• Experience in drug discovery from hit identification to lead optimization and structure-based drug design.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present complex data clearly.
• Collaborative team player capable of leading chemistry programs and working with CROs.

Responsibilities

• Drive drug discovery programs by designing drug-like molecules and optimizing compounds.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with DMPK, structural biology, pharmacology, ML, and safety teams.
• Design and synthesize novel compounds, perform multi-step syntheses and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Analyze SAR data to guide design and program direction.
• Address potency, physical properties, and ADMET challenges.
• Support internal synthesis and CRO partnerships; provide broad chemistry support.
• Deliver presentations and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership potential for leading chemistry programs and CRO management.

Skills

Synthetic/Medicinal Chemistry

Structure-Based Drug Design

Drug Discovery

Strong Communicator

Problem Solver

Collaborative Team Player

Results-Oriented

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Senior / Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

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.

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

The salary range for San Diego, CA:

• Senior Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry: $166,100 - $212,900
• Senior Scientist II, Medicinal Chemistry: $197,400 - $253,100
• Principal Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry: $243,600 - $312,300

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

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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.

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