Computational Chemistry Research Scientist (Computational Drug Design)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced computational chemist to join our Computational Drug Design group in Boston. This individual will be responsible for contributing to both hit/lead identification and optimization programs using a broad range of computational approaches including molecular modeling, cheminformatics, data science, and AI-enabled methods. The right candidate's responsibilities include close interaction with interdisciplinary projects teams to identify and advance safe and efficacious molecules. In addition, this individual will work collaboratively within the global Data and Computational Sciences group to provide expertise in data analysis, computational chemistry and AI method development. This individual must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to guide scientists in drug discovery.

Requirements

Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
In depth knowledge of state-of-the-art computational chemistry and its application in drug discovery
Experience with commercial and open-source molecular modeling software
Knowledge of concepts related to drug discovery and development
Strong solution-oriented attitude, spirit of innovation and creativity, good time and priority management
Scripting and programming expertise in languages such as Python
Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Computational Chemistry and 0-3 years of productive, relevant employment experience in computational drug desin
Strong expertise in structure-based drug design
Experience leveraging modern AI computational capabilities for both design and discovery workstreams
Proven success influencing teams with computational methods
Strong programming, data analysis, and communication skills

Responsibilities

Apply computational chemistry methods and tools to accelerate the discovery and development of drug candidates, in close collaboration with chemists, structural biologists, biologists and other research project scientists
Use timely decision making to ensure focus and delivery of key project objectives.
Promote high levels of productivity and urgency
Leverage physics-based methods, generative models and machine learning approaches to design new chemical entities
Proactively work with other computational chemists and cheminformaticians to assess and develop new computational methodologies, create workflows and share successful methods
Contribute to the further development of Vertex’s computational chemistry capabilities
Seek out opportunities to improve Vertex’s global R&D capabilities through collaboration with DMPK, Structural Biology, Safety Assessment, and other groups.