Director, Medicinal Chemistry (Small-Molecule Drug Discovery)

Location: San Diego, California, United States; on-site five days per week

Salary: $197,600–$296,400 per year, plus eligibility for annual bonus and equity awards.

Company

Global biotechnology company investing in scientific innovation.

What you will do

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs.
• Direct compound design, synthesis, optimization, and SAR strategy to support candidate selection.
• Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences teams.
• Integrate developability, drug property, and translational considerations into chemistry strategy.
• Manage, mentor, and support the development of chemistry team members.
• Manage external collaborators and communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 9+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 12+ years or a bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Experience leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams, including in matrixed environments.
• Proven ability to mentor scientists and provide strategic scientific leadership.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site work with ad hoc flexibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including summer and winter company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k).