Join SERAC Biosciences AG as a Principal Scientist/ (Associate) Director, Medicinal Chemistry
SERAC Biosciences AG is seeking a motivated and experienced medicinal chemist to play a key role in shaping our early discovery and drug design programs.
Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, collaborates with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and academics across Europe to create and operate innovative biotech companies. Over the years, Ridgeline has assembled a diverse team of more than 50 seasoned drug discovery and industry professionals, successfully building and managing multiple companies that have raised significant funding through Series B announcements, IPOs, and successful trade sales.
The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, provides scientific leadership, and enjoys tackling complex challenges with modern tools and innovative strategies. At SERAC, you will be instrumental in driving projects from concept to clinical candidate while working closely with cross-functional experts. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make a substantial impact on advancing new therapies.
Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Strategy
- Collaborate with senior leadership to define and execute medicinal chemistry strategies across multiple early discovery and lead optimization programs.
- Actively advance SERAC’s medicinal chemistry efforts, progressing projects from early discovery to clinical candidate nomination.
- Utilize advanced, multi-parameter optimization methods to enhance SAR, ADME, and efficacy in target molecules while promoting the use of enabling technologies.
- Analyze data using relevant software with fluency.
- Establish project goals, set critical scientific milestones, and ensure programs stay on track through informed decision-making.
Project Management & Collaboration
- Foster strong collaborations across functions.
- Effectively manage CRO relationships to ensure high-quality and efficient outsourced chemistry activities.
- Lead cross-functional project teams by contributing medicinal chemistry expertise and guiding biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology functions.
- Engage in strategic discussions within a multidisciplinary matrix team environment, fostering data-driven development and innovation.
Research & Development Innovation
- Maintain elevated technical skills and scientific knowledge, staying current on new methodologies and advancements in medicinal chemistry.
- Utilize scientific problem-solving to resolve challenges in lead discovery and optimization, drawing on insights from structural biology and computational chemistry.
- Represent SERAC in interactions with stakeholders, external collaborators, and within the scientific community.
Who You Are
- Experience level will be determined based on qualifications.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry with 5+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery within the biotech or pharmaceutical sectors.
- Proven expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, with a track record of advancing drug discovery programs from target ID to clinical candidate stage.
- Strong publication and/or patent record in drug design, showcasing significant contributions to medicinal chemistry and hit-to-lead optimization.
- Experience in collaborating with CROs and leading multidisciplinary project teams.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills in English, facilitating effective collaboration in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.