At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medicinal chemistry for innovative cancer drug discovery projects.
- Company: Join Europe's largest biomedical research institute, the Francis Crick Institute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research and develop groundbreaking therapies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in small molecule drug discovery and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 57230 - 57230 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £57,230 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Joanna Redmond
Closing Date: 26th of August 2026 at 23.59pm
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.
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. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering drug discovery programme translating groundbreaking cancer research into potential new therapies.
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:
- 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, open, and collegial. At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery.
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.
Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist employer: Francis Crick Institute Ltd
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and exploration in biomedical research. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for meaningful impact within a world-class organisation, makes it an attractive place for those seeking to contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements.
Contact Details:
Francis Crick Institute Ltd Recruitment Team
