Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford
Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist

Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford

Oxford Temporary 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and synthesise compounds for biological testing in a dynamic lab environment.
  • Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a leading global biotechnology company focused on transformative medicines.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team innovating to develop life-changing medicines for patients.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry and a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or equivalent experience.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth in the pharmaceutical industry.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. They are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic organic chemist to join their growing Medicinal Chemistry team as a Research Scientist at their Milton Park R&D site in Oxford.

This lab-based role involves designing and synthesizing compounds for biological testing, completing work in a resourceful, timely and self-sufficient manner. You will be working as part of an inclusive drug discovery team innovating to develop transformative medicines for patients.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, with an understanding of the fundamentals of theoretical and practical aspects of synthetic chemistry. As a member of the medicinal chemistry team, you will have the opportunity to expand your expertise in drug design and knowledge of the holistic drug discovery process through interactions with colleagues across multiple disciplines in their research labs. Supported training and development materials will help you grow your career within the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design, execution and optimisation of multi-step organic synthetic routes to access small molecules for biological testing.
  • Collate, interpret and present complex data, summarising results into clear conclusions and/or recommendations to influence project outcomes.
  • Exercise strong judgement to prioritise work, considering feasibility, priorities and project impact.
  • Use contemporary and relevant scientific literature and routinely incorporate new insights into research activities.
Key Skills:
  • Thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of synthetic chemistry (synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization).
  • Up-to-date knowledge of the current organic chemistry literature and proficient in the use of web-based tools for searching scientific databases.
  • Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication, collaboration, and time management skills.
  • Passion for creativity, innovation and problem-solving.
  • Demonstrate high levels of health and safety awareness, personal integrity and ethics.
Desired skills:
  • An appreciation of medicinal chemistry.
  • Awareness of related scientific disciplines (e.g. pharmacology, ADME, drug safety/toxicology).
Education and Experience:
  • Degree in Chemistry at BSc/MSc level and a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, or the equivalent industrial experience.

Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture at their Milton Park R&D site in Abingdon. Employees benefit from robust training and development opportunities, fostering career growth within the innovative field of biotechnology. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact through transformative medicines, while collaborating with diverse experts in a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medicinal chemistry field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at Vertex or similar companies.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role at Vertex. Show them your passion for drug discovery and innovation!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the Vertex team.

We think you need these skills to ace Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford

Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Multi-step Organic Synthesis
Data Interpretation
Analytical Characterization
Scientific Literature Review
Oral Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Collaboration
Time Management
Creativity
Innovation
Problem-Solving
Health and Safety Awareness
Ethics in Research

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in synthetic organic chemistry and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what Vertex is looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for medicinal chemistry and how you can contribute to Vertex's mission. Be sure to mention specific skills or experiences that make you a great fit for the team.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to present complex data clearly. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, we want to see how you can summarise results and influence project outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Vertex team and contributing to transformative medicines.

How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals

✨Know Your Chemistry

Brush up on your synthetic organic chemistry knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, as well as recent advancements in the field. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also engaged with current research.

✨Data Presentation Skills

Prepare to present complex data clearly and concisely. Think about how you would summarise your past research findings and be ready to explain how they influenced project outcomes. Practising this will help you communicate effectively during the interview.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Vertex values creativity and innovation, so come prepared with examples of challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with the holistic drug discovery process and related disciplines like pharmacology and toxicology. Showing an understanding of how your role fits into the larger team will highlight your collaborative spirit and commitment to the company's mission.

Medicinal Chemistry Research Scientist in Oxford
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Location: Oxford
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