Medicinal Chemistry Scientist

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and scientifically rigorous Medicinal Chemistry Leader to join our Research organization. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing discovery programs from target validation through candidate selection, working within highly collaborative cross‑functional teams across chemistry, biology, DMPK, safety, and translational sciences.
The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in small molecule drug discovery, with a demonstrated track record of leading medicinal chemistry programs from hit identification to preclinical candidate selection.

Experience with emerging therapeutic modalities, including targeted protein degradation (PROTACs), oligonucleotides, peptides, or other beyond‑rule‑of‑5 modalities is highly desirable.
This role requires strong scientific leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead medicinal chemistry efforts across one or more discovery programs from concept through candidate selection.
Drive the design, synthesis, and multiparameter optimization of novel compounds, effectively integrating computational insights and data‑driven SAR/SPRs to optimize potency, selectivity, ADME/PK, and safety profiles.
Serve as a scientific leader within multidisciplinary project teams, partnering closely with biology, DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, translational sciences, and computational chemistry colleagues to define project strategies and Target Product Profiles.
Apply innovative approaches and new technologies to accelerate drug discovery. Embrace advanced chemistry technologies, including automation‑enabled workflows, generative AI, and digital design tools as well as new advanced modalities such as chemical induced proximity.
Manage and oversee external CRO chemistry activities to ensure timely, rigorous execution and alignment with project objectives.
Contribute to scientific assessments of external innovation opportunities, including therapeutic assets, platform technologies, and collaborative partnerships.
Communicate recommendations and scientific updates clearly to senior leadership, while mentoring junior scientists to foster a collaborative, high‑performing research culture.
Contribute to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high‑performing research culture.

Qualifications & Skills
Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with a strong record of scientific achievement through publications, patents, and/or delivered drug discovery programs.

Experience

8–10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience with a proven track record of advancing programs from hit/lead optimization through to preclinical candidate selection.
Demonstrated success leading medicinal chemistry programs from hit identification and lead optimization through preclinical candidate selection.
Strong experience working effectively within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
Therapeutic expertise in neuroscience, immunology, rare diseases, or related fields is desirable.

Experience with targeted protein degradation (e.g., PROTACs/molecular glues), oligonucleotides, peptides, macrocycles, or other emerging modalities is considered a strong advantage.
Prior experience in managing external collaborations and chemistry CRO activities is preferred.

Technical & Leadership Skills

Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and modern drug discovery principles.
Strong knowledge of ADME/PK, early safety assessment, develop ability, and translational considerations in drug discovery.
Familiarity with computational chemistry insights, structure‑based drug design, and data‑driven discovery tools and digital workflows to guide design cycles.
Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills, with the ability to navigate scientific complexity and ambiguity.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and articulate scientific concepts and strategic recommendations to multidisciplinary teams and to senior leadership.
High degree of scientific curiosity, innovation mindset, and commitment to delivering impactful medicines to patients.

Initial Salary:
53.600€
Angelini Pharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We believe that diversity is a huge value that contributes to individual and company success. We are committed to create and foster a diverse and inclusive environment.
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