Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, ADC Technology

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our growing Medicinal Chemistry and Bioconjugation Drug Discovery team. This laboratory-based role will drive the design and synthesis of novel small molecules, payloads, and linker technologies to support antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and targeted therapeutic discovery programs. The successful candidate will collaborate with internal and external chemistry teams to solve complex medicinal and synthetic chemistry challenges, applying modern synthetic methods, computational tools, and structure-based design principles to advance drug discovery projects.

• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel drug-like molecules, payloads, and linker technologies to support ADC and targeted therapeutic discovery programs.
• Design and optimize conditional release linkers, payload-linker constructs, and other conjugation chemistries for bioconjugate development.
• Apply medicinal chemistry principles, including structure-activity relationships (SAR), structure-property relationships (SPR), ADME, pharmacokinetics, and physicochemical property optimization, to guide compound design.
• Utilize computational chemistry, structure-based drug design, molecular modeling, and AI/ML-enabled predictive tools to prioritize compounds and synthetic strategies.
• Analyze biological, pharmacological, and ADME data to drive lead optimization and support compound progression toward in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
• Design synthetic routes, troubleshoot challenging reactions, optimize synthetic processes, and provide technical guidance to internal and external chemistry teams.
• Manage and collaborate with external contract research organizations (CROs) to plan, execute, and deliver synthetic chemistry activities, ensuring high-quality results, timely execution, and alignment with project objectives.
• Select and apply appropriate purification and analytical methods, including flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, SFC, LC-MS, and NMR, to characterize synthetic compounds.
• Conduct literature reviews and incorporate scientific insights into project strategy and medicinal chemistry planning.
• Present scientific findings and project updates to multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators, contributing to project strategy and R&D decision-making.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures, patent applications, and scientific publications.
• Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and ensure proper compound and sample management.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining shared equipment, improving workflows, and fostering an organized, efficient laboratory environment.

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years; or B.S. with 11+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Industry experience in medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry, or small molecule drug discovery within the biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis of complex molecules and modern synthetic methodology, including reaction design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR, SPR, physicochemical property optimization, pharmacology, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and ADME.
• Hands‑on experience with compound purification and analytical characterization techniques, including flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, SFC/SFE, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Experience with computational chemistry, molecular modeling, structure-based drug design, and AI/ML-enabled drug discovery tools is desirable.
• Experience designing conditional release linkers, prodrugs, payload-linker constructs, or other bioconjugation technologies is a plus.
• Proven scientific accomplishments demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or other significant research contributions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across multidisciplinary and global teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team‑oriented research environment.