At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medicinal chemistry design and optimise novel therapeutic molecules.
- Company: Innovative biotech firm merging AI with drug discovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, equity, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Visa support available for candidates relocating to London.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and shape the future of medicine.
- Qualifications: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and 5+ years industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Central London, UK
Working Schedule: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
Salary: Competitive + bonus + equity
BioTalent are partnered with an innovative biotechnology company operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence and drug discovery. The organisation is building advanced computational platforms designed to accelerate how new medicines are discovered and developed. Their teams combine experienced medicinal chemists with machine learning scientists to design and optimise novel therapeutic molecules using modern computational tools. The company is expanding its scientific capabilities and continuing to invest heavily in its drug discovery programmes.
This role will be responsible for:
- Leading medicinal chemistry design strategy across drug discovery programmes
- Driving compound optimisation from hit identification through lead optimisation
- Working closely with computational scientists and AI teams to guide molecule design
- Collaborating with external CRO partners responsible for compound synthesis
- Analysing SAR data and refining compound design strategies
- Contributing to scientific publications, intellectual property and discovery reports
You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams across computational biology, machine learning and drug discovery, contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic programmes.
Key Requirements
- A PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a related discipline
- 5+ years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry within biotech, pharma or a CRO environment
- Experience contributing to drug discovery programmes, ideally from hit discovery through lead optimisation
- Familiarity with structure-based drug design and modern medicinal chemistry strategies
- Experience working with external CRO partners to support compound synthesis
- Strong communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary scientific teams
Experience with fragment-based drug design or working alongside computational drug design teams would be beneficial. Please note that if you meet most of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary, bonus and equity package
- The opportunity to work at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and artificial intelligence
- A collaborative scientific environment working alongside world-class researchers
- The chance to contribute to the development of next-generation drug discovery technologies
- Hybrid working from the company’s London office
Medicinal Drug Design Lead/Small Molecule - UK Visa Support employer: BioTalent
Join an innovative biotechnology company in Central London that is at the forefront of combining artificial intelligence with drug discovery. With a competitive salary, bonus, and equity package, you will thrive in a collaborative environment alongside world-class researchers, while enjoying hybrid working arrangements. The company is committed to employee growth, offering opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking therapeutic programmes and advance your career in medicinal chemistry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medicinal Drug Design Lead/Small Molecule - UK Visa Support
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like BioTalent. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like BioTalent!
We think you need these skills to ace Medicinal Drug Design Lead/Small Molecule - UK Visa Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show BioTalent that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at BioTalent.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that BioTalent does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at BioTalent. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into BioTalent's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at BioTalent. This shows your passion for the industry!
