Medicinal Chemistry Senior Principal Research Scientist
About The Position
Vertex is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to provide scientific leadership in designing and optimizing small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs. Leading from the lab, this role will help advance high-quality drug candidates from early discovery through candidate selection while partnering with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex scientific challenges. Approximately 75% of the role is spent in the lab, and the position is designated on-site five days per week with ad hoc flexibility. The ideal candidate is an accomplished medicinal chemist with deep small-molecule drug-discovery expertise, a strong record of scientific innovation, and demonstrated success in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment. The role also provides technical and strategic leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members, and communicates program strategy and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; or a Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant industry experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with 11+ years of relevant industry experience.
- 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.
- Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Expertise 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.
- 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 teams 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.
Benefits
- Annual bonus and annual equity awards; some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay.
- 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.
- Commuting subsidy.
- Matching charitable donations.
- 401(k).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
