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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Use cutting-edge tech to design and optimise new drug candidates.
- Company: Join Astex Pharmaceuticals, a leader in innovative drug discovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in relevant fields and experience with molecular modelling software.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with access to unique resources and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
Astex Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company has successfully applied its proprietary Fragment-Based Drug Discovery platform to generate multiple new drug candidates that are progressing in clinical development. Successful collaborations have led to three launched oncology drugs (Kisqali partnered with Novartis, Balversa partnered with Janssen and Truqap partnered with AstraZeneca). Astex continues to grow and focuses on Neurological Disorders and Oncology.
We currently have an opportunity within our Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) group in Cambridge, UK for a dynamic, passionate molecular modeller, with a proven record of performing high caliber science.
The Role
- Drive structure-based drug design activities from hit identification through to lead optimization, ensuring alignment with project schedules.
- Interpret crystallographic and cryo-EM data and support structure determination.
- Analyze protein-ligand structures and guide medicinal chemistry through binding mode hypotheses, SAR interpretation, and design of novel analogs.
- Apply cutting-edge molecular modelling approaches including docking, molecular dynamics, QM, free energy calculations, and property optimizations.
- Apply AI generative models and machine learning methodologies to design and optimize new molecules.
- Communicate findings in team and project meetings.
Qualifications
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Structural Biology, or related discipline.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery and SBDD.
- Experience with molecular modelling software (e.g. Schrödinger, MOE, OpenEye, Cresset, or similar).
- Familiarity with protein-ligand interactions, structural interpretation, and conformational analysis.
- Strong understanding of physics-based methods and their application to drug discovery.
- Experience integrating modelling with medicinal chemistry decision-making.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Programming or scripting skills (e.g. Python, R, or Bash) for workflow automation or data analysis.
- Experience with simulation-based methods and machine learning approaches.
- Familiarity with fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD).
- Experience of working in drug discovery teams.
Why Astex
We offer excellent training and career development opportunities as well as highly competitive salary and benefits package including hybrid working options to promote a flexible and inclusive work environment. At Astex we embrace diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse Company representing all backgrounds, harnessing industry-leading scientific innovation and behaviours.
Astex is situated 2.5 miles from Cambridge City centre on the Cambridge Science Park. The Park has onsite sports facilities and excellent transport links to London.
Molecular Modeller employer: Astex Pharmaceuticals
Contact Detail:
Astex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Molecular Modeller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of molecular modelling and drug discovery. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving molecular modelling software or AI methodologies. This can really set you apart during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of structure-based drug design and recent advancements in the field. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Astex's focus on oncology and neurological disorders. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Astex Pharmaceuticals. Let’s get you that molecular modeller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Molecular Modeller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Molecular Modeller role. Highlight your experience with molecular modelling software and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drug discovery and how your background in computational chemistry makes you a great fit for Astex. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since we value teamwork, mention any experiences where you've collaborated with biologists or chemists. Highlighting your ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Astex!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astex Pharmaceuticals
✨Know Your Molecular Modelling Tools
Make sure you're well-versed in the molecular modelling software mentioned in the job description, like Schrödinger or MOE. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects.
✨Understand Drug Discovery Processes
Familiarise yourself with the drug discovery process, especially structure-based drug design (SBDD). Be prepared to explain how your experience aligns with their focus on oncology and neurological disorders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to protein-ligand interactions and cheminformatics. Review key concepts and be ready to discuss specific examples from your previous work that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Astex values collaboration across disciplines. Think of examples where you've worked closely with biologists or chemists, and be ready to share how you contributed to team success in a multidisciplinary environment.
