Job Description

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This range is provided by Partnology. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$230,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Stock options

Director of Research @ Partnology | Biotech Executive Search

A drug discovery and development company in San Diego is seeking a Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry to join their dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to translating cutting-edge science into life-changing treatments for patients with severe unmet medical needs.

Scope and Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive medicinal chemistry programs from hit discovery through Phase 1, contributing to our expanding pipeline.
• Develop and execute chemistry strategies that balance innovation, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee internal and external teams, managing collaborations with CROs and global FTEs while expanding our chemistry capabilities.
• Act as a scientific thought leader, integrating medicinal chemistry with biology, pharmacology, and computational chemistry to optimize small molecules.
• Provide mentorship and leadership, building and scaling a high-performing team of chemists to support our growth.
• Guide structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization, integrating ADME, PK, and safety data to drive compound progression.
• Support strategic planning for IND-enabling studies and contribute to clinical candidate nomination.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with discovery biology, computational chemistry, and translational teams to accelerate drug development.

Key Selection Criteria:

• PhD in Chemistry with 10+ years of medicinal chemistry experience in biotech or pharma.
• Proven track record of leading drug discovery programs from early-stage discovery through clinical candidate nomination.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and structure-based drug design.
• Experience managing external partnerships and global chemistry teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills, with a passion for mentoring junior scientists.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment and drive innovation.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with a rich employer contribution
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• 401k plan participation plus complimentary financial planning services
• Equity Incentive Plan participation (stock options)
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Parental, caregiving, and various leave programs

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Science, Research, and Management

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