Associate Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Atomwise is a technology-enabled pharmaceutical company leveraging the power of AI to revolutionize small molecule drug discovery. The Atomwise team invented the use of deep learning for structure-based drug design; this technology underpins Atomwise’s best-in-class AI discovery engine, which is differentiated by its ability to find and optimize novel chemical matter. Atomwise has extensively validated its discovery engine, delivering success in over 185 projects to-date including a wide-variety of protein types and numerous “hard-to-drug” targets. Atomwise is building a wholly owned pipeline of small-molecule drug candidates, with three programs in lead-optimization and over 30 programs in discovery. The company has raised over $174 million from leading venture capital firms to advance its mission to make better medicines, faster.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are currently seeking an outstanding individual to join our growing Medicinal Chemistry team as an Associate Principal Scientist. The candidate will be a motivated, independent researcher with deep experience in molecular design, particularly in Structure-Based Drug Design techniques applied to medicinal chemistry. The candidate will work collaboratively with Medicinal Chemists, Computational Chemists, Cheminformaticians, ADME/DMPK, Biology and other key functions to design compounds with improved potency, selectivity, functional activity, and ADMET properties. As an active member of the newly built design team, the candidate will apply their design skills and bring broad insight of Medicinal Chemistry and other disciplines to bear on advancing our drug discovery projects. He/she will have a sharp focus on designing molecules in optimal drug-like space. Strong people and mentoring skills and the ability to thrive in a team, goal driven, and time-sensitive environment, are key attributes.
The position demands excellent people skills, a can-do-now attitude, and the ability to embrace our fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The position reports to the Director of Medicinal Chemistry:
The ideal candidate would possess:
- Significant experience and expertise applying SBDD techniques to improve potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles of lead molecules both independently, and as part of multi-parameter optimization in ideal drug-like space.
- A strong track record of leading teams that progressed small molecules into clinical development is required.
- Deep knowledge of physicochemical properties as they relate to drug design and application of ligand efficiency (LE) and lipid ligand efficiency (LLE) principles to design molecules in ideal drug-like space.
- Demonstrated expertise using complex data-visualization solutions (Stardrop, Vortex, Live Design, RGate, Data Warrior, 3DX, D360, Torx, Spotfire) to inform new compound design.
- Proven knowledge and expertise applying SBDD techniques and using 3D computational solutions (Maestro, MOE, ICM-Pro, Flare,) to improve potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles of lead molecules both independently, and in parallel as part of multi-parameter optimization in ideal drug-like space.
- Expert knowledge of modern methods of synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
- Capability to manage cross functional discovery teams is strongly preferred.
- Experience managing and directing external chemistry FTE.
- Ideally have expertise and demonstrated success as a project leader in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Strong problem-solving skills for developing creative, innovative solutions, and meeting project objectives.
- Proven track record of scientific contributions to projects, including co-inventorship on patents is preferred. Senior or co-authorship on publications and presentations would be preferred Effective communication of design hypotheses, SAR analysis, and structural designs to address key issues.
- Experience leading teams of organic and medicinal chemists.
- Strong leadership skills with excellent interpersonal skills and proven success of drug discovery.
- Scientific creativity, independent thought and decision-making ability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and autonomy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Driving medicinal chemistry functions for one, or more drug discovery projects, working in concert with partners within Atomwise and CRO’s.
- Utilizing structure-based design principles to impact rational design of molecules in high-probability drug-like space.
- Serve as a scientific expert in medicinal chemistry with both internal and external partners.
- Independently and collaboratively identify and deliver high quality drug candidates.
- Participation in shaping and implementing strategies that support the overall medicinal chemistry growth objectives at Atomwise
- Developing and directing clear synthetic strategies towards complex molecules using state-of-the-art synthetic methodologies in a time-sensitive manner.
- Maintaining a significant level of knowledge of emerging Organic and Medicinal Chemistry research.
- Generating novel, testable hypotheses to enable rapid, clear decision making.
- Independently designing drug-like molecules utilizing current medicinal chemistry knowledge, including property-based optimization, and an understanding of ADME, pharmacokinetics and optimal physicochemical properties.
- Ensure optimal interaction/communication and provide updates on project status to stakeholders.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D, Masters or Bachelors degree in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry.
- Minimum 8 years relevant experience with Ph.D, 11+ years with Masters degree or 14+ years of industry experience with Bachelors degree in biotech or pharmaceutical setting.
Compensation & benefits:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Stock compensation plan – you’ll be an Atomwise co-owner
- Platinum health, dental, and vision benefits
- 401k with 4% match
- Funding for professional development and conference attendance
- Flexible work schedule
- Generous parental leave
- High performance culture
- Great colleagues
Atomwise is an equal opportunity employer and strives to foster an inclusive workplace. Our mission is to develop better medicines faster, and we know that we need a diverse team to develop medicines that serve diverse populations. Accordingly, Atomwise does not make any employment decisions (including but not limited to, hiring, compensation, and promotions) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.
We strongly encourage people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply.