Scientific Director, Computational Chemistry

About the role

Develops and leads innovative computational strategies that accelerate drug discovery across a Research and Development portfolio from early discovery through clinical candidate nomination. Integrates computational approaches including molecular modeling, cheminformatics, molecular dynamics, free energy perturbation, and AI/ML-driven drug design to support data-driven decision-making and the optimization of therapeutics across multiple modalities, including small molecules and biologics.

Working within multidisciplinary teams of medicinal chemists, structural biologists, pharmacologists, data scientists, and ADME/Tox representatives, provides molecular-level insight and computational expertise to inform compound design, potency and selectivity optimization, and de-risk design hypotheses.

Represents Computational Chemistry across Research and Development functions and seamlessly integrates internal and external technologies, collaborations, and resources to advance Neurocrine’s drug discovery strategy.

Serves as a mentor and scientific leader, fostering the development of junior scientists and promoting excellence within the computational chemistry function.

Requirements

• Bachelors in chemistry or related field AND 12+ years of experience applying computational chemistry in a drug discovery setting
• OR Masters in computational chemistry or related field AND 10+ years of experience applying computational chemistry in a drug discovery setting
• OR PhD in computational chemistry, organic chemistry or a related field AND 8+ years of experience applying computational chemistry in a drug discovery setting
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing scientific teams
• Applies understanding of the team's place in the larger organization, and discusses changes, progress, and issues as they relate to other areas
• Deep expertise in molecular modeling, structure-based drug design, and cheminformatics methods
• Demonstrated experience applying computational approaches to small molecules and/or emerging modalities
• Experience integrating computational chemistry into multidisciplinary drug discovery teams
• Strong track record of scientific achievement, including publications and/or patents
• Experience with AI/ML approaches in drug discovery, including predictive modeling and generative design
• Deep expertise in ligand and structure-based drug design related to small molecules as well as other modalities including: peptides, biologics and targeted protein degradation
• Familiarity with CNS drug discovery or neuroscience-focused research
• Experience working with cloud computing and high-performance computing environments including programming computational workflows in Knime or equivalent
• Expertise with industry-standard computational chemistry platforms (e.g., Schrödinger, OpenEye, MOE, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to influence strategy across multiple functions and organizational levels
• Possesses expert knowledge of own function and broad knowledge of multiple functions and impact on business
• Promotes strategy development and implementation within areas of responsibility
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of multiple scientific areas

Benefits

• Annual base salary range: $218,200.00 - $298,000.00
• Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills
• Annual bonus with a target of 35% of the earned base salary
• Eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program
• Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans