At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive cutting-edge research in drug discovery using advanced computational techniques.
- Company: Join a world-leading CRO with a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and enhanced family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for scientific leadership and global collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on life-changing medicines while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational chemistry and 2-3 years of relevant experience required.
About Sygnature Discovery
At Sygnature Discovery, we create exceptional scientific outcomes. For our customers, who bring life‑changing medicines to patients; and for our people, who help make this possible.
We’re 700+ scientists from over 50 countries, working as one across Europe and North America. With no competing internal programs, we offer total confidentiality and commitment.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve earned a track record of real impact: 60+ advanced candidates, 250 patents filed, 200+ active projects. Over 90% of our customers choose to stay with us – from biotechs racing to clinic to pharma companies that need specialised expertise for targeted challenges.
About the role
We have exciting opportunities for experienced Computational Chemists to join our Computational Chemistry group at Alderley Park. These are hybrid roles, with an expectation to be on site 3‑ 4 times per week.
Our Computational Chemists play a pivotal role in driving cutting‑edge research, utilising the latest scientific software and cloud‑based technology to solve complex challenges for clients worldwide.
As an experienced Computational Chemist, you will bring broad expertise in drug discovery and compound design. These are project‑driven role, and you will be able to demonstrate your experience having worked on numerous drug discovery projects across multiple target families. This will include virtual screening and lead identification, hit to lead and lead optimisation projects.
This is an incredible opportunity to join a world‑leading CRO, where you will collaborate on high‑impact projects for top‑tier clients while advancing your career in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Role Responsibilities
- Work on integrated drug discovery projects with some of the most high‑profile global biotech and pharma companies.
- Demonstrate experience and expertise in applying the latest generative AI and ML techniques in drug design.
- Apply new and emerging free energy methods on projects datasets.
- Be involved with a range of the new modalities such as protacs, molecular glues, macrocycles and other beyond rule of 5 compounds.
- Be involved in the validation and testing of new technology for drug design.
- Demonstrate scientific leadership in the application of new and emerging technologies.
- Create convincing case studies in and around the use of new technology
- Contribute to proposal writing for the business development process.
- Be part of and integrate into a large global group at the forefront of applying new software and techniques to drug discovery projects
Skills & Qualifications
- You will have 2 to 3 years of experience working in Computational Chemistry.
- You will have a PhD in computational chemistry or/ Chemistry.
- You will have strong and convincing presentation skills.
- You will have worked on numerous structure‑based design projects and be familiar with this approach to optimise ligand binding.
- You will have substantial experience of ligand‑based design including development of ML or QSAR models. This would include core/fragment replacement work and focussed library design.
- Familiarity with SAR analysis of project data sets and calculation of ADME/Tox relevant properties.
- You will have carried out virtual screening, either using protein x‑ray structures or a ligand‑based method.
- Protein modelling experience including co‑folding techniques, multiple sequence alignment and homology modelling across numerous protein classes.
- Familiarity with data pipelining tools and an ability to script in python is preferred.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
- Sygnature Group Pension Scheme
- 1 paid volunteer day per year
Senior Scientist / Lead Scientist (Computational Chemistry) employer: Sygnature Discovery Limited
At Sygnature Discovery, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our scientists to make significant contributions to life-changing medicines. Located in the picturesque Tytherington area of Macclesfield, our team enjoys a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and enhanced family-friendly policies, and the chance to work on diverse projects that truly make an impact in the field of protein science.
Contact Details:
Sygnature Discovery Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist / Lead Scientist (Computational Chemistry)
✨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!
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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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist / Lead Scientist (Computational Chemistry)
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 Sygnature Discovery Limited 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 Sygnature Discovery Limited.
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 Sygnature Discovery Limited 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 Sygnature Discovery Limited
✨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 Sygnature Discovery Limited. 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 Sygnature Discovery Limited'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 Sygnature Discovery Limited. This shows your passion for the industry!
