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About the Role

We are recruiting for a Senior Medicinal Chemist to play a key role in leading the Medicinal Chemistry for a drug discovery program and to join the ALT project team at the Francis Crick Institute. As part of a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will lead the medicinal chemistry strategy for a priority drug discovery programme, driving the design, optimisation and progression of compounds towards candidate selection. Working closely with colleagues across biology, computational chemistry, pharmacology, DMPK and structural biology, you will use complex data sets to make informed scientific decisions and shape compound optimisation strategies. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, innovative medicinal chemist with a strong track record of drug discovery in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in lead optimisation and the progression of small molecule discovery programmes towards candidate selection. You will bring scientific expertise, commercial awareness and a hands-on approach, balancing compound design and external CRO management with practical laboratory contributions where needed. Thriving in a fast paced, dynamic environment, you will be a flexible and open-minded scientist who enjoys solving complex challenges and working as part of an integrated academia-industry team to deliver impactful drug discovery outcomes.

Responsibilities

Leadership of the medicinal chemistry for one of the two high priority ALT targets
Driving the design, synthesis, and optimisation of small-molecule compounds from initial hits through lead optimisation to candidate-quality molecules
Oversight and management of synthetic chemistry activities conducted at external CROs, including setting priorities, reviewing data and ensuring high-quality chemistry, combined with timely delivery
Interpretation of SAR, structural, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and prioritisation
Working closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, computational and structural biology teams to ensure integrated decision-making
Supporting compound selection for in vivo studies and candidate nomination decisions

Requirements

Extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery, with a strong track record of progressing compounds from hit identification through lead optimisation to candidate-quality molecules
A deep knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR development, compound optimisation for potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties
Experience in leading medicinal chemistry efforts within multidisciplinary project teams
Proven ability to successfully manage and direct synthetic chemistry activities at external CROs
Ability to interpret and integrate chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and progression decisions
Understanding of structural biology and computational chemistry to support structure-guided drug design

Skills

Medicinal Chemistry
Drug Discovery
Small-molecule drug discovery
SAR development
Compound optimisation
Potency
Selectivity
Drug-like properties
Multidisciplinary project teams
Synthetic chemistry
CRO management
Data interpretation
Structure-guided drug design
Structural biology
Computational chemistry

Location

Work Type

Full-time
Fixed term (18-month)

Experience Level

Senior

Salary/Compensations

From £57,230

Benefits

Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services, Occupational health services and mental health support programs, Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, Childcare support allowance, Annual leave purchase options, Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts, Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

About the Company

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

Equal Opportunity

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk