Associate Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
We are seeking an accomplished medicinal chemist and project leader to drive drug discovery programs from Hit-to-Lead through Development Candidate nomination. The individual will define and execute medicinal chemistry strategy, independently lead projects, and help advance Neomorph's targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform and pipeline.
The ideal candidate will combine strong scientific judgment, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving with the ability to translate complex multidisciplinary data into clear project decisions. The role requires close collaboration across chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, toxicology, analytical sciences, and CMC, as well as leadership of external CROs and partners.
As a hands-on scientific leader, the successful candidate will continue to contribute directly from the bench to solve challenging chemistry problems and drive project progression.
Role and Responsibilities
• Independently lead medicinal chemistry strategy and execution for one or more programs from Hit-to-Lead through Development Candidate nomination.
• Develop and execute multiparameter optimization strategies addressing potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, ADME/DMPK, safety, and developability.
• Identify key scientific questions, risks, and opportunities and work with cross-functional partners to design experiments that enable timely, data-driven decisions.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative medicinal chemistry organization.
• Contribute intellectually and experimentally to project teams through compound design, data analysis, experimental planning, synthetic problem-solving, and development of innovative chemistry solutions.
• Select and prioritize compounds for progression through project assay cascades and recommend project direction and next steps.
• Work closely with biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical sciences, DMPK, toxicology, CMC, and other functions to design key experiments, interpret data, establish project goals, and develop integrated project strategies.
• Manage external chemistry CROs and other external partners, including defining project scope, communicating scientific objectives, prioritizing activities, evaluating deliverables, and ensuring high-quality and timely execution.
• Communicate project strategy, findings, risks, and recommendations to project teams and senior leadership.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy, patent filings, publications, and external scientific communications.
• Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, laboratory safety, and documentation.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field with 6+ years of relevant industry experience; M.S. with 9+ years; or B.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading medicinal chemistry efforts within multidisciplinary drug discovery programs.
• Track record of defining and executing medicinal chemistry strategy, driving scientific innovation and creative problem-solving, and delivering on project milestones.
• Expertise in medicinal chemistry and multiparameter optimization, including potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, ADME/DMPK, and safety.
• Experience applying structure- and ligand-based drug design approaches.
• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, modern synthetic methods, and reaction mechanisms.
• Strong scientific judgment and ability to integrate complex multidisciplinary data into project strategy and decisions.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working across scientific disciplines and managing external CROs or partners.
• Experience contributing to intellectual property strategy and evaluating potential inventions.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop scientists.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Passion for innovative drug discovery and emerging therapeutic modalities.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience advancing small-molecule programs from Hit Identification or Hit-to-Lead through Lead Optimization and Development Candidate nomination.
• Experience developing medicinal chemistry strategies across multiple programs, therapeutic areas, or novel biological mechanisms.
• Direct experience with targeted protein degradation, including molecular glues or related approaches.
What we offer:- Industry competitive compensation
- Annual target bonus
- Stock options
- 401K plan
- Career advancement opportunities
- Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates
Work Hard, Stay Well - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
- Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
- Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
- Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
Lifestyle- Casual work environment
- Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
- Flexible work schedule
- Access to a state-of-the-art gym
Have Fun! We believe in work/life balance, and Fun is at the core of our Core Values. In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (e.g., Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring-your-kids-to-work day).
Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.
