Medicinal Chemistry Senior Principal Research Scientist

Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Vertex is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to provide scientific leadership in the design and optimization of small-molecule therapeutics across discovery programs. This role will play a critical part in advancing high-quality drug candidates from early discovery through candidate selection, while partnering across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex scientific challenges.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished medicinal chemist with deep expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, a strong record of scientific innovation, and demonstrated success in a fast-paced and matrixed research environment. This is an on-site role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
• Design, prioritize, and guide synthesis of novel compounds to optimize potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and developability.
• Interpret and integrate SAR, structural biology, DMPK, pharmacology, and safety data to drive compound design and progression.
• Partner closely with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership to internal and external chemistry resources.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members.
• Communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.
• Support intellectual property strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.

  Knowledge and Skills:

  • Specialized depth of knowledge and methods in own field/discipline
  • Ability to consistently advise/mentor others to execute technically challenging, complex experiments that directly impact projects and programs within discipline
  • Ability to consistently identify and leverage new, productive paths/approaches in experiments
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to impact and advance projects through scientific creativity and insights
  • Assigned to the more challenging or higher-value project tasks/problems
  • Often will have demonstrated outstanding determination and/or persistence in supporting project(s)
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively write advanced technical documents, and ability to persuade others presenting technical/scientific concepts to diverse audiences
  • Values team work and collaboration to solve problems and design strategies

    Education and Experience:

    • Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; Master's degree with 9+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor's degree with 11+ years of relevant industry experience.
    • Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery.
    • Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
    • Experience leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams including in matrixed settings.
    • Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.