Principal Medicinal Chemist

With over 35 nationalities and a range of backgrounds represented in our Benevolent team, we aim to build an inclusive environment where our people can bring their authentic selves to work, be respected for who they are and the exceptional work they do. We welcome and actively encourage applications from all sections of society and are committed to offering equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, disability, age, citizenship, or any other basis. We see our diversity as an asset as we tackle challenging problems that bridge the gap between drug discovery and technology.

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The Role

We are looking for an experienced medicinal chemist at Principal Scientist level. As a key part of our Chemical Sciences team, you’ll be responsible for leading a team of internal and CRO chemists on one or more of our Drug Discovery programmes from Hit ID through to Lead Optimisation and Candidate delivery, utilising AI to drive down cycle times and identify the best compounds for progression into the clinic.

The successful Candidate will be working to support small molecule Drug Discovery at our laboratory research facility on the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge (UK). Working with cheminformaticians, computational chemists, AI modellers and drug discovery colleagues you’ll devise creative ways to reimagine the way medicines are discovered.

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Primary Responsibilities

You will be primarily responsible for defining the medicinal chemistry strategy on one or more Drug Discovery programmes, utilising all available tools including our proprietary AI chemistry platform, and managing the work of a team of internal and external CRO chemists.
With a strong medicinal chemistry background and a broad knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, you will work as a highly influential member of project teams and may lead project teams, providing clear strategic direction aligned with company goals.
You will work closely with experts across biology, pharmacology & DMPK as well as machine learning and cheminformatics experts.
Improve the drug discovery process through proactive and positive problem-solving allowing you to contribute strategically and implement ideas to drive projects forward.
As well as working within our lab-based team in Cambridge, an additional part of the role could be the efficient synthesis of novel molecules making use of modern practical methods.
Direct supervision of others will form part of the role and matrix leadership of cross-functional teams may also be required.
You will establish and maintain close working relationships with Senior Management for project planning, alignment and delivery.

We are looking for someone with

A PhD or equivalent experience in synthetic organic chemistry or very closely related area.
5+ years experience in an industrial setting applying medicinal chemistry expertise to the successful advancement of Drug Discovery projects to important milestones.
A track record of significant, innovative personal contributions to the progression of drug discovery programmes.
You’ll have a strong ability to critically analyse and act upon complex datasets across e.g. synthetic chemistry, biological and DMPK data, AI predictions and many other areas.
Previous line management experience and the ability to motivate and develop team members preferred.

Nice to haves

Examples of using novel data analyses or AI approaches in compound design or progression would be an advantage.
Previous project leadership experience would be an added advantage.

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We share a passion for being part of a mission that matters, and we are always looking for curious and collaborative people who share our values and want to be part of our journey. If that sounds like a fit for you, hit the apply button and join us.

About us

BenevolentAI (AMS: BAI) is a leading, clinical-stage AI-enabled drug discovery and development company listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. Through the combined capabilities of its AI platform, scientific expertise, and wet-lab facilities, BenevolentAI is well-positioned to deliver novel drug candidates with a higher probability of clinical success than those developed using traditional methods. The Benevolent Platform™ powers a growing in-house pipeline of 13 named drug programmes and over 10 exploratory programmes, and it maintains successful collaborations with AstraZeneca, as well as leading research and charitable institutions. BenevolentAI is headquartered in London, with a research facility in Cambridge (UK) and a further office in New York.

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