Senior Scientist I - Discovery Chemistry

ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

1d•$100,000 - $124,000•Onsite

About The Position

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Senior Scientist I to join its Chemistry Department. The role plans, designs, and executes multi-step synthesis, including purification and compound characterization, and collaborates across disciplines to support project teams, experimental design, creative problem-solving, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) development. The position works under general supervision while independently conducting synthesis and optimization, interpreting data, and preparing reports. The Senior Scientist I develops research ideas, makes go/no-go and prioritization decisions based on data, prepares compounds at scales from 50 mg to 50 g, and assesses competitor compounds and platforms to develop novel scaffolds and chemical constructs. The role communicates progress against project timelines, presents results to internal and external audiences, prepares research materials, writes protocols and SOPs, and trains and mentors entry-level staff. It also maintains laboratory equipment, reagents, notebooks, safety practices, and hazardous-material management. This is a full-time, on-site position at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite in San Diego, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime. Pay is commensurate with experience. The position is eligible for equity-based compensation and performance-based bonuses. Employment is contingent on completing post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including a background check.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
Two years of postdoctoral experience or 2–5 years of relevant industry experience in synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry.
Familiarity with modern chromatographic techniques, automated flash chromatography, and analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC, and LCMS.
Experience independently designing synthetic routes and conducting multi-step syntheses.
Broad scientific knowledge and a track record of scientific achievement demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
Superior laboratory skills and awareness of laboratory safety.
Track record of impacting drug discovery programs and driving projects to key decision points.
In-depth knowledge of modern organic synthetic methods, purification, analytical techniques, and medicinal chemistry.
Understanding of project timelines and deliverables, with ability to plan and coordinate work with departmental, functional, and external stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, and SD files.
Ability to work independently, with supervision as needed, and in cross-functional teams.
Adaptability and flexibility in responding to shifting priorities and day-to-day challenges.
Self-motivation and strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to take a hands-on approach in a dynamic, collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to exploring new methods.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
United States work authorization is required.
Successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including a background check.

Responsibilities

Promote a workplace culture that values diversity of thought and integrity, supports coaching, and fosters accountability.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with collaborative partners throughout the company.
Carry out assigned laboratory functions accurately and on time.
Independently plan, conduct, troubleshoot, and optimize multi-step synthesis under general supervision; analyze results systematically and prepare reports.
Generate and execute research ideas based on findings, make go/no-go decisions, and prioritize research efforts based on data.
Purify and characterize compounds using a variety of techniques.
Prepare compounds at scales ranging from 50 mg to 50 g to meet program needs.
Analyze competitor compounds and platforms to create novel scaffolds and distinct chemical constructs.
Track project progress against timelines, provide regular status updates, and communicate progress and issues to team members.
Present results orally and in writing and deliver progress reports to multidisciplinary teams.
Contribute to research reports and presentations for internal project teams, leadership, and external audiences.
Write protocols and create SOPs for new discovery research efforts.
Train and mentor entry-level staff.
Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, and the dedicated laboratory environment; troubleshoot equipment and technical problems.
Maintain laboratory safety and hazardous-material management standards, minimizing risks and hazardous waste streams in daily chemistry operations.
Maintain current, well-organized laboratory notebooks.
Perform other duties as assigned.