Senior Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry (Oncology Focus)

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company committed to developing life-saving medicines, is seeking a talented

Senior Scientist

specializing in

Medicinal Chemistry

to join their research team in

St. Louis, Missouri

. This position operates under a hybrid work model, offering a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules targeting key pathways in oncology. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research, collaborate with a world-class team of scientists, and drive the preclinical development of promising drug candidates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong synthetic organic chemistry background and a deep understanding of drug discovery principles within the oncology domain.

Key Responsibilities

Design and synthesize novel small molecule compounds with desired pharmacological profiles for oncology targets. Conduct structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize lead compounds for potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to evaluate compound performance and guide iterative design. Develop and implement innovative synthetic routes and purification strategies. Utilize modern medicinal chemistry techniques and tools, including computational modeling, to inform compound design. Manage outsourced synthesis projects and CRO relationships effectively. Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in medicinal chemistry and oncology. Present research findings clearly and concisely at internal project meetings and potentially at scientific conferences. Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field. Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in medicinal chemistry, with a strong focus on small molecule drug discovery. Proven track record of successful lead identification and optimization campaigns, ideally in oncology. Extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis, chiral chemistry, and purification techniques. Familiarity with medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR, ADME/Tox considerations, and molecular modeling. Experience with common analytical techniques (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC). Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to synthetic challenges. Excellent communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. Experience working within a hybrid R&D environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and generous paid time off. We encourage professional growth through participation in scientific conferences and ongoing training. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, and our

St. Louis

facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art synthetic chemistry labs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.