Director, Medicinal Chemistry
About The Position
Vertex is seeking a Director, Medicinal Chemistry to provide people management and strategic leadership for small-molecule discovery programs and help advance compounds from early discovery through candidate selection. The role defines and executes medicinal chemistry strategy, leads compound design and optimization, and advances programs through close partnership with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will manage a team and bring deep scientific expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven record of advancing discovery-stage programs in a fast-paced research environment. This is an on-site role with an approximate 50% lab time commitment. The position works five days per week on-site, with ad hoc flexibility. The role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards; some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable requirements. Vertex's Total Rewards offerings include medical, dental, and vision benefits; generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter; educational assistance programs including student loan repayment; a commuting subsidy; matching charitable donations; and a 401(k).
Requirements
- 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.
- Proven ability to mentor scientists and provide strategic scientific leadership.
- Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 9 or more years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; or a Master's degree with 12 or more years of relevant industry experience; or a Bachelor's degree with 15 or more years of relevant industry experience.
- Knowledge and skills in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, small-molecule drug discovery, lead optimization, SAR analysis, compound design, candidate selection, DMPK/ADME collaboration, drug property optimization, and patent support.
Responsibilities
- Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
- Drive compound design, synthesis, and optimization to advance high-quality development candidates.
- Guide SAR strategy and data-driven decision-making to support candidate selection.
- Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals.
- Integrate developability, drug property, and translational considerations into chemistry strategy.
- Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members.
- Manage external collaborators and contribute to productive research partnerships.
- Communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.
- Support intellectual property strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.
Benefits
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Annual equity awards
- Medical benefits
- Dental benefits
- Vision benefits
- Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter
- Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment
- Commuting subsidy
- Matching charitable donations
- 401(k)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
