Senior Chemist

We are seeking a highly innovative and entrepreneurial PhD-trained Chemist to join our dynamic, successful team, who have enabled 17 commercial products. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a small company environment with start-up like focus, enjoys developing programs from the ground up, and is eager to translate new technologies into meaningful therapeutics.

You will be a part of the development and operations team with roles designing and developing therapeutic molecules, scientific strategy, and will work cross‑functionally with pharmaceutical formulation and business development to advance new products.

Ligand has a culture that reflects its distinctive position as Biopharma's Technology and Capital Partner, combining entrepreneurial biotechnology innovation with the analytical rigor required for sophisticated investment decisions. The organization values independent thinking and initiative. Professionals are expected to be direct but polite, curious, and able to navigate complexity. Team members possess exceptional analytical capabilities, applying deep knowledge and numerical fluency to deliver results based on hard work and an unwavering focus on outcomes.

What distinguishes Ligand is the ability to balance short-term execution with long‑term strategic vision, encouraging insightful analysis and independent thinking that sometimes leads to contrarian positions. It allows Ligand to identify valuable opportunities before they gain broad market recognition. The company values external awareness, agility and responsiveness. Ligand expects team members to develop industry knowledge and relationships that lead to new opportunities and deliver results.

While we seek individual excellence, the culture emphasizes collaboration in the pursuit of exceptional outcomes. Our mission is important, as we fund and invest in life changing drugs. Ligand seeks individuals ready to apply analytical skills, navigate complexity, and contribute to shaping biotechnology's future through strategic partnerships and capital investment.

To be successful at Ligand, employees must be innovative, efficient, versatile, self‑starters who take great pride in their work and want to contribute to something significant

• Lead formulation development efforts on new platforms in developing drug products
• Provide leadership on product selection and hit‑finding strategies
• Mentor junior scientists and support the growth of a high‑performing scientific culture
• Prepare and present scientific findings
• Member of the Formulation Leadership Team to shape scientific vision, technical solutions, and innovation strategy
• Employ computational tools, modeling, and predictive analytics to inform product selection and design
• Influence IP strategy through invention disclosures, patent drafting, and evaluation of external technologies

• Advanced degree required:
  PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related fields. (PhD 7 + years of experience)
• Strong expertise in pharmaceutical development, synthetic organic chemistry, formulation development, AI modeling, and small‑molecule drug design
• Proven track record of successful pharmaceutical innovation, patents, regulatory approvals and/or technology platforms
• Excellent communication skills, problem‑solving, and collaborative organizational skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset—resourceful, focused, and fast‑paced execution
• Industry experience in biotech, pharma, or startup
• Experience building platforms and computational chemistry

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid maternity leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid paternity lea
• Tuition assistance

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $ 185,000 per year.

The actual compensation offered will be determined based on the job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. Eligible for annual bonus and equity award.