Principal Scientist, Peptide Computational Chemistry

Job Description

Position Description

We are seeking a creative, self-motivated computational chemist with exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills to join our Modeling and Informatics (M&I) team.

As part of the Discovery Chemistry family, M&I employs state of the art capabilities in predictive sciences, AI/ML and structure-based drug design to accelerate our invention of transformative therapeutics for patients.
 

We’re expanding our capabilities in peptide computational chemistry to support our ambitious strategy for next-generation therapeutic discovery.

We are seeking a strategic thinker and accomplished computational drug hunter to take on leadership of our peptide modeling capability. This will be a network-facing position, and will be working across geographical and departmental boundaries to advance our computational capabilities for one of our high investment modalities: macrocyclic peptides. This position will carry significant influence on our discovery organization, from target identification through delivery of clinical candidates across our fast-growing peptide project portfolio. With in-house access to the most innovative screening techniques, and world-class medicinal chemistry, this position offers a wealth of opportunities to impact our discovery pipeline and ultimately save and improve patient lives. 

Key responsibilities will include:

Scientific Innovation:

• Design and optimization of peptide drug candidates using advanced computational techniques as a member of discovery teams

• Advancing our peptide modeling capabilities through invention of novel computational methodologies as necessary to drive impact

• Coordinating with adjacent functional teams (e.g. Research IT, Informatics) to implement new methods and workflows to support peptide drug discovery across our organization, including physics-based and AI/ML approaches

• Functioning as a subject matter champion for ligand- and structure-based drug design across our discovery network

Building Relationships:

• Trusted partner for Discovery Chemistry and adjacent functions for peptides expertise

• Building fruitful collaborations with stakeholders across medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics, quantitative biosciences, and therapeutic area biology

• Contributing to the continued scientific growth and development of both M&I and Chemistry colleagues as a mentor and influencer both locally and across our network

• Contributing to the reputation of our Company's peptide capabilities through presentation at conferences and publications, and cultivating relationships with external experts

Strategy:

• Leading specific strategic initiatives to enable our future vision for computational chemistry approaches for drug discovery – with a particular focus on peptides

• Enabling a design-driven and predict-first culture throughout our Company's Chemistry

• Contributing to our Company's overarching drug discovery strategy

We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or equivalent with a computational emphasis.

Required Experience and Skills:

• For Ph.D. holders: 8 years of relevant professional experience beyond graduation (i.e., Pharma, Biotech or equivalent), or 11 years with a M.S. degree.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to positively and impactfully influence team decisions in drug discovery

• Ability to communicate, collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced, global environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Ability to see the ‘big picture’, and to identify opportunities for impact now and in the future

• Expertise in general molecular modeling techniques (docking, molecular simulation, homology modeling, quantum mechanics, QSAR / machine learning, ligand- and structure-based design) with modern software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, OpenEye, CCG)

• Experience in leading strategic scientific initiatives relevant to drug discovery

• Skilled in scientific program