Senior Scientist - Drug Discovery Chemistry

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist specializing in Drug Discovery Chemistry to join their innovative research team based in Cardiff . This role is critical in driving the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule therapeutics. You will contribute to key projects by applying your expertise in medicinal chemistry to identify and develop potential drug candidates across various therapeutic areas. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled chemist to make a significant impact in a challenging and rewarding R&D environment, working collaboratively to advance the company's pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules with desired pharmacological properties using modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.
• Optimize lead compounds through iterative structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Collaborate closely with biologists and pharmacologists to define target product profiles and evaluate compound efficacy and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies for library design and synthesis to explore chemical space effectively.
• Manage external synthesis projects and CRO relationships as needed.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Proven track record of contributing to the discovery of drug candidates.
• Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques.
• Experience with computational chemistry tools for molecular modeling and SAR analysis is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance and paid company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further training.
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment with access to cutting-edge equipment.