Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Your Role

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated medicinal chemist to drive small-molecule drug discovery programs across Ridgeline Discovery's portfolio companies, from hit identification through lead optimization to development candidate nomination.

You will take scientific ownership of medicinal chemistry strategies, lead compound design and optimization, and oversee external chemistry activities. Working closely with experts in Biology, DMPK, Computational Chemistry, and Data Science, you will integrate multidisciplinary data to advance innovative drug discovery programs.

The position will be offered at Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist level, depending on qualifications and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently develop and execute compound design strategies from hit identification through lead optimization and candidate nomination, balancing potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety, and intellectual property considerations.
• Direct and manage CRO chemistry teams, define and continuously refine synthetic priorities, troubleshoot chemistry challenges, and optimize workflows to ensure efficient, high-quality compound delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Biology, DMPK, Computational Chemistry, and Data Science to interpret complex datasets, guide compound optimization, and influence project decisions.
• Identify and implement innovative medicinal chemistry approaches, leverage modern design and synthesis technologies, and contribute to invention disclosures and patent filings.
• Contribute to project strategy, candidate selection decisions, and scientific due diligence across Versant/Ridgeline portfolio companies.
• Support scientific evaluation of new opportunities and enable company creation activities within the Versant/Ridgeline portfolio.

Your Profile

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related discipline, with at least 3–5 years of relevant industrial drug discovery experience.
• Demonstrated track record in rational compound design and multiparameter optimization, with experience advancing small-molecule programs through lead optimization, ideally towards development candidate nomination.
• Proven ability to lead external chemistry teams and manage CRO activities effectively; familiarity with automated synthesis and modern chemistry technologies is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, ADME/DMPK optimization, and compound developability. Experience with structure-based drug design and Chemical Biology techniques is a plus.
• Ability to independently interpret complex multidisciplinary datasets, prioritize experiments, and translate scientific insights into actionable compound design strategies.
• Proactive, collaborative, and scientifically curious mindset, with strong problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for innovative drug discovery in a dynamic biotech environment.