Principal Scientist – Peptide Computational Chemistry

Principal Scientist – Peptide Computational Chemistry

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or equivalent with a computational emphasis.
• 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 programming (e.g. Python, Pipeline Pilot) and data analytics (e.g. Spotfire) and democratizing coding and workflows.
• Passion for mentoring and coaching scientific peers.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• People management is possible for this position, but it can be tailored to fit the right candidate’s preferred development pathway.