MSD Associate Principal Scientist Director 

United Kingdom, England, London 

136404816

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for two

Role Overview:

Successful candidates will join the UK Discovery Chemistry group, taking a leading role in a vibrant culture as part of a diverse and collaborative multidisciplinary department.You will be responsible for driving chemistry strategy and execution to enable clear decision making and independently design and synthesise high quality molecules in target validation, hit-to-lead, and lead optimisation projects. You will utilise innovative synthetic and medicinal chemistry problem solving skills coupled with analysis of diverse data sets to drive scientific innovation and contribute to the development of novel therapies in areas such as neurodegenterative diseases and immunology.

What you will do:

• Drive our programs forward by defining chemistry strategy and leading implementation.
• Apply your detailed knowledge of synthetic and medicinal chemistry to impact programthrough independent data analysis, target design and synthesis.
• Collaborate in cross-functional drug discovery teams, engaging with scientists from a range of disciplines (e.g. pharmacology, DMPK, biology) and leveraging expertise as a chemistry leader to influence program direction.
• Mentor, coach (and possibly lead) a small team of scientists utilising your experience to facilitate growth and program impact.
• Supplement research activities by developing effective interfaces with the global network across the company to implement the extensive technologies and capabilities available.
• Lead collaborations with internal research teams, CROs and academic collaborators.
• Give high quality presentations at internal meetings and externally at conferences.
• Contribute to internal scientific reports as required and publish science in high quality journals.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• BSc/MSc or PhD in Chemistry or related discipline with significant industry experience (e.g. pharma, biotech, CRO).

Required Experience and Skills:

• Proven track-record of outstanding research conducted in field of expertise exemplifying excellence in theoretical and practical synthetic chemistry driving innovation across a range of projects at different phases (e.g.target validation, hit-to-lead, lead optimisation)
• Advanced knowledge of modern chemical literature and good appreciation of the latest innovations and technologies in synthetic and medicinal chemistry
• Demonstrated creativity and ingenuity in problem-solving by applying scientific knowledge and through the ability to mine literature and databases
• Self-motivated with high laboratory productivity and efficiency achieved through planning and prioritisation
• A strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry design principles, including structure-based drug design and the influence of physiochemical properties with examples of application delivering project impact
• A good understanding of the related scientific disciplines that are pertinent to drug discovery and early development (e.g. pharmacology, ADME, formulation, large-scale synthesis, drug safety/toxicology, IP)
• Application of computational tools, for example to analyse data and design molecules/synthetic routes
• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and/or external presentations and patent filings
• Leadership through influence of project strategy and provision of day-to-day technical guidance to colleagues
• Exemplified ability to work flexibly across the portfolio and adapt to new priorities/emerging data while thriving on increasing levels of responsibility
• Excellent interpersonal skills including: communication (written and verbal), attention to detail, collaborative team-working mentality
• Open mind-set with a proactive outlook to development through learning new skills and growing knowledge & expertise
• A diverse and inclusive attitude, seeking to champion a varied outlook to identify novel solutions

Experience in any of the following may be advantageous:

• Reaction optimisation through high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and/or design of experiments (DoE)
• Large-scale chemical synthesis
• Managing external collaborations or contractors
• Training, mentoring and leading team members in synthesis and drug discovery
• Fostering of academic networks to ensure an outward-looking organisation that able to exploit the world’s best scientific thinking
• Knowledge of the technology and latest innovations in chemical biology

Closing date for applications: 6th October 2024 inclusive.

Current Contingent Workers apply

Not Applicable

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the dayBEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the dayBEFOREthe job posting end date.

Job Posting End Date:10/07/2024

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.