Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist in London

Salary for this Role: From £57,230 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Reports to: Joanna Redmond

Closing Date: 26/Aug/ GMT

Details of the role:

This is a full-time, fixed term (18-month) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About us:

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture.

The Program:

This exciting research project is a cross–Francis Crick Institute collaboration focused on translating groundbreaking discoveries from Dr Simon Boulton's Double Strand Break (DSB) Metabolism Laboratory into new cancer therapies. The programme of work has since evolved into the Crick spin‑out company ALTx. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering drug discovery programme translating groundbreaking cancer research into potential new therapies.

Working within a unique academia-industry collaboration, you will contribute to the development of novel treatments targeting Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)-positive cancers, a particularly challenging group of cancers with significant unmet medical need. Supported by substantial philanthropic and venture capital funding, the programme brings together world‑leading experts in DNA damage repair, chemical biology and drug discovery to progress innovative science from target validation through to candidate selection.

About the role:

We are recruiting for a Senior Medicinal Chemist to play a key role in leading the Medicinal Chemistry for a drug discovery program and to join the ALT project team at the Francis Crick Institute. As part of a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will lead the medicinal chemistry strategy for a priority drug discovery programme, driving the design, optimisation and progression of compounds towards candidate selection.

What you will be doing:

• Leadership of the medicinal chemistry for one of the two high priority ALT targets.
• Driving the design, synthesis, and optimisation of small‑molecule compounds from initial hits through lead optimisation to candidate‑quality molecules.
• Oversight and management of synthetic chemistry activities conducted at external CROs, including setting priorities, reviewing data and ensuring high‑quality chemistry, combined with timely delivery.
• Interpretation of SAR, structural, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and prioritisation.
• Working closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, computational and structural biology teams to ensure integrated decision‑making.
• Supporting compound selection for in vivo studies and candidate nomination decisions.

About you:

You will have:

• Extensive experience in small‑molecule drug discovery, with a strong track record of progressing compounds from hit identification through lead optimisation to candidate‑quality molecules.
• A deep knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR development, compound optimisation for potency, selectivity, and drug‑like properties.
• Experience in leading medicinal chemistry efforts within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proven ability to successfully manage and direct synthetic chemistry activities at external CROs.
• Ability to interpret and integrate chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and progression decisions.
• Understanding of structural biology and computational chemistry to support structure‑guided drug design.

About Working at the Crick:

Our values:

• Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.
• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches.
• We’re not afraid to do things differently.
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.

What will you receive?

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Work‑Life Balance: Back‑up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, and shopping discounts.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.