Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist

18 months Fixed term, Full time

About us

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. 

To learn more about the Crick, click here.

About the role

The Program

This project is a cross–Francis Crick Institute collaboration focused on translating groundbreaking discoveries from Dr Simon Boulton's Double Strand Break (DSB) Metabolism Laboratory into new cancer therapies. The programme of work has since evolved into the Crick spin-out company ALTx.

This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering drug discovery programme translating groundbreaking cancer research into potential new therapies.

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.

What you will be doing

You will: 

• 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

Click here for full job description

About you  

You will:

• 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 leading medicinal chemistry efforts within multidisciplinary project teams*
• Proven ability to 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

Minimum criteria*

About Working at the Crick… 

Our values  

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Crick, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. If you need assistance with your application, contact karen.au@crick.ac.uk.

To read more about our EDI approach, click here.  

What will you receive?  

We value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development. You can find out more about what we offer here.

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