Job Title:  MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY SCIENTIST

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and scientifically rigorous Medicinal Chemistry Leader to join our Research organization. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing discovery programs from target validation through candidate selection, working within highly collaborative cross-functional teams across chemistry, biology, DMPK, safety, and translational sciences.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in small molecule drug discovery, with a demonstrated track record of leading medicinal chemistry programs from hit identification to preclinical candidate selection. Experience with emerging therapeutic modalities, including targeted protein degradation (PROTACs), oligonucleotides, peptides, or other beyond-rule-of-5 modalities is highly desirable.

This role requires strong scientific leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts across one or more discovery programs from concept through candidate selection.
• Drive the design, synthesis, and multiparameter optimization of novel compounds, effectively integrating computational insights and data-driven SAR/SPRs to optimize potency, selectivity, ADME/PK, and safety profiles.
• Serve as a scientific leader within multidisciplinary project teams, partnering closely with biology, DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, translational sciences, and computational chemistry colleagues to define project strategies and Target Product Profiles.
• Apply innovative approaches and new technologies to accelerate drug discovery. Embrace advanced chemistry technologies, including automation-enabled workflows, generative AI, and digital design tools as well as new advanced modalities such as chemical induced proximity.
• Manage and oversee external CRO chemistry activities to ensure timely, rigorous execution and alignment with project objectives.
• Contribute to scientific assessments of external innovation opportunities, including therapeutic assets, platform technologies, and collaborative partnerships.
• Communicate recommendations and scientific updates clearly to senior leadership, while mentoring junior scientists to foster a collaborative, high-performing research culture.
• Contribute to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing research culture.

Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with a strong record of scientific achievement through publications, patents, and/or delivered drug discovery programs.

Experience

• 8–10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience with a proven track record of advancing programs from hit/lead optimization through to preclinical candidate selection.
• Demonstrated success leading medicinal chemistry programs from hit identification and lead optimization through preclinical candidate selection.
• Strong experience working effectively within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Therapeutic expertise in neuroscience, immunology, rare diseases, or related fields is desirable.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation (e.g., PROTACs/molecular glues), oligonucleotides, peptides, macrocycles, or other emerging modalities is considered a strong advantage.
• Prior experience in managing external collaborations and chemistry CRO activities is preferred.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and modern drug discovery principles.
• Strong knowledge of ADME/PK, early safety assessment, developability, and translational considerations in drug discovery.
• Familiarity with computational chemistry insights, structure-based drug design, and data-driven discovery tools and digital workflows to guide design cycles.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate scientific complexity and ambiguity.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and articulate scientific concepts and strategic recommendations to multidisciplinary teams and to senior leadership.
• High degree of scientific curiosity, innovation mindset, and commitment to delivering impactful medicines to patients.

Initial Salary: 53.600€

Angelini Pharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe that diversity is a huge value that contributes to individual and company success. We are committed to create and foster a diverse and inclusive environment.