Director/senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Iambic Iambic · Pharma · San Diego, CA · Science

This role leads medicinal chemistry efforts within a life-science company that uses an AI-driven platform for drug discovery. The leader will guide a team, set scientific strategy, and collaborate with AI/ML teams on molecular generation, property predictions, and predictive modeling to accelerate the design-make-test cycle. While AI/ML is integral to the company's platform and processes, the core craft of this specific role is medicinal chemistry, not building AI models.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead a group of project scientists and drive molecular discovery efforts to deliver development and clinical candidates
  2. Devise strategies to execute hit ID, identify lead molecules and optimize them for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties using multivariant SAR analysis and hypothesis driven design principles.
  3. Act as a liaison between Iambic, CROs, and other external collaborators, including partnered research projects
  4. Influence the prospective use of computational methods and leverage automated synthesis and high-throughput experimentation capabilities
  5. Work closely with AI/ML teams to develop and implement relevant predictive models to aid in the design of new molecules

Skills

Required

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 15+ years of Pharma/bio-tech drug discovery experience (portfolio of programs from hit/lead to development candidate) or MS/BS with 20+ years of experience
  • Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, evidenced by high-quality publications and patents.
  • Proven cross-functional leadership: integrating biology, DMPK/ADME, CADD, and CMC to build and execute strategic project plans.
  • Practical experience and working knowledge of target protein degradation and associated modalities (molecular glues, PROTACS)
  • Track record of program leadership advancing compounds through preclinical development (candidate nomination, IND-enabling interfaces, CRO oversight).
  • Experience working with computational chemists as part of project team in design of drug targets is required
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, time management, and leadership skills
  • Experience mentoring or leading junior chemists
  • Creative problem solving and management of relationships with several stakeholders within and beyond the company

What the JD emphasized

  • proven track record of success in advancing drug discovery programs
  • leading cross-functional teams
  • intensely collaborative, multidisciplinary, team-based setting
  • Experience working with computational chemists as part of project team in design of drug targets is required