Medicinal Chemistry Senior Principal Research Scientist

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

Base salary: $164,400–$246,600 per year, plus eligibility for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation and the development of therapeutics.

What you will do

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
• Design, prioritize, and guide the synthesis of novel compounds to optimize potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and developability.
• Integrate SAR, structural biology, DMPK, pharmacology, and safety data to guide compound design and progression.
• Partner with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences teams to advance discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership to internal and external chemistry resources, including mentorship and development support.
• Communicate strategy, risks, data, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams while supporting intellectual property strategy.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; or a Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant industry experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with 11+ 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 in matrixed environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to advise and mentor others on technically challenging experiments and communicate advanced scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment focused on scientific innovation.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with paid time off.
• Company shutdown during one week in summer and one week in winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k).