Principal Scientist, Cheminformatics

Position Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist in Cheminformatics to join our dynamic research team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leveraging computational methods and data analysis techniques to drive our drug discovery efforts forward. As a key member of our organization, the Principal Scientist will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to design and implement cheminformatics strategies that accelerate the identification and optimization of potential drug candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cheminformatics Strategy: Develop and implement innovative cheminformatics approaches to support drug discovery projects from target identification through lead optimization.
• Data Analysis and Modeling: Utilize computational tools and techniques to analyze chemical and biological data, extract meaningful insights, and generate predictive models to guide decision-making processes.
• Compound Library Management: Oversee the curation, annotation, and maintenance of our compound libraries, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for research activities.
• Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Analysis: Conduct SAR studies to elucidate the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity, guiding the design of novel compounds with desired pharmacological properties.
• Virtual Screening and Hit Identification: Apply virtual screening methods and molecular docking simulations to identify potential drug candidates from large compound libraries and virtual chemical space.
• Collaborative Research: Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other team members to design focused compound libraries, prioritize screening compounds, and optimize lead series.
• Stay Abreast of Industry Trends: Keep abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in cheminformatics and computational chemistry, and integrate relevant advancements into our drug discovery pipeline.
• Documentation and Communication: Prepare and present scientific reports, contribute to patent applications, and communicate results and insights effectively to internal stakeholders and external partners.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or related field with 5 years of industry experience, or Master's degree with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Strong expertise in cheminformatics, including proficiency in molecular modeling, QSAR/QSPR, ligand-based and structure-based drug design, chemoinformatics databases, and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in cheminformatics, such as Python, R, or Java, and experience with relevant software packages (e.g., Schrödinger Suite, RDKit, Pipeline Pilot, KNIME).
• Demonstrated track record of applying computational methods to advance drug discovery projects, evidenced by publications, patents, or successful project contributions.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.