Research Scientist - Computational Chemistry

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Research Scientist with expertise in computational chemistry to join their drug discovery team in Reading . This role is critical for applying advanced computational methods to design and optimize novel drug candidates. You will collaborate closely with medicinal chemists and biologists, using molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and quantum mechanics to predict molecular properties and guide synthetic efforts. This position offers a stimulating opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and development in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply computational chemistry techniques, including molecular modeling, docking, and virtual screening, to drug discovery projects.
• Develop and utilize quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models.
• Perform molecular dynamics simulations to understand protein-ligand interactions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design and prioritize new synthetic targets.
• Analyze and interpret computational data, presenting findings clearly to the research team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational chemistry and cheminformatics tools.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in applying computational chemistry methods to drug discovery programs.
• Proficiency with molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrödinger, MOE, GROMACS).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry and principles of drug design.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for data analysis and automation is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact drug discovery projects.
• Access to advanced computational resources in Reading .
• Collaborative research environment with leading scientists.
• Professional development opportunities and support for attending conferences.