At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery projects and mentor a talented team of chemists.
- Company: Dynamic biotechnology firm near Cambridge focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, collaborative environment, and significant career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team driving advancements in antibody drug conjugates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge drug discovery and shape future therapies.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry with extensive experience in medicinal chemistry and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A successful biotechnology company, based near Cambridge, developing innovative small molecule therapies is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist – Medicinal Chemistry to play a key scientific leadership role within its drug discovery organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished medicinal chemist with a strong track record in small molecule drug discovery, specifically Antibody Drug Conjugates.
You will work within multidisciplinary teams, helping to drive programmes from early discovery through to candidate selection while contributing to the scientific strategy of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Design and implement innovative medicinal chemistry strategies to address key drug discovery challenges
- Lead or contribute to project teams, driving programmes towards candidate selection
- Line manage and mentor medicinal and synthetic chemists
- Interpret complex datasets and direct future experimental strategies
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across biology, pharmacology, DMPK, biophysics and structural biology
- Manage relationships with external collaborators and CRO partners, ensuring high‑quality delivery of chemistry programmes
- A PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline, with significant postdoctoral and/or industry experience
- Extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry and structure‑based drug design
- A proven track record of advancing antibody drug conjugate (ADC) drug discovery programmes with experience of designing and developing novel linker and payload components
- Previous line management, mentoring or leadership experience
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience working with external collaborators, CROs or strategic partners
- Opportunity to play a leading role in cutting‑edge drug discovery programmes
- Highly collaborative and science‑driven environment
- Significant influence on project strategy and decision‑making
- Exposure to multidisciplinary research teams and external collaborations
- Career‑defining opportunity within a growing biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines
- Hybrid working model; 1‑2 days/week required on site at company HQ near Cambridge
Principal Scientist - Chemistry in Cambridge employer: VRS Recruitment
Join a pioneering biotechnology company near Cambridge, where innovation meets collaboration in the pursuit of transformative small molecule therapies. As a Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, you will thrive in a highly science-driven environment that values your expertise and offers significant opportunities for career growth, mentorship, and influence on project strategy. With a hybrid working model and a focus on multidisciplinary teamwork, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programmes while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace culture.
