At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery projects and mentor a talented team of chemists.
- Company: Dynamic biotechnology company near Cambridge focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, collaborative environment, and significant career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with external partners for high-quality delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge drug discovery and shape the future of medicine.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry with extensive experience in medicinal chemistry and drug design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 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 dynamic work culture that values scientific excellence and offers significant opportunities for career growth, mentorship, and impactful contributions to drug discovery programmes. With a hybrid working model and a focus on multidisciplinary teamwork, this role provides a unique chance to shape the future of medicine while enjoying a supportive and engaging environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - Chemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, especially those who work with small molecule therapies or ADCs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in medicinal chemistry. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our innovative teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist - Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in medicinal chemistry and any relevant projects you've led, especially those related to antibody drug conjugates.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for drug discovery and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Don't forget to mention your leadership experience!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that resulted in a successful candidate selection? Let us know! Numbers and outcomes speak volumes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at VRS Recruitment
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your medicinal chemistry knowledge, especially around small molecule drug discovery and antibody drug conjugates. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, showcasing your expertise in synthetic chemistry and structure-based drug design.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves line management and mentoring, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored junior chemists. Highlight your experience in driving projects towards candidate selection and how you’ve contributed to scientific strategy in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Multidisciplinary Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with biologists, pharmacologists, and other specialists. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps between disciplines.
✨Engage with External Collaborators
Since managing relationships with external collaborators is key, think about your experiences working with CROs or strategic partners. Prepare to talk about how you ensured high-quality delivery of chemistry programmes and any challenges you overcame in those partnerships.
