Principal Scientist - Chemistry

A successful biotechnology company, based near Cambridge, developing innovative small molecule therapies is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist – Medicinal Chemistry to play a key scientific leadership role within its drug discovery organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished medicinal chemist with a strong track record in small molecule drug discovery, specifically Antibody Drug Conjugates. You will work within multidisciplinary teams, helping to drive programmes from early discovery through to candidate selection while contributing to the scientific strategy of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement innovative medicinal chemistry strategies to address key drug discovery challenges
• Lead or contribute to project teams, driving programmes towards candidate selection
• Line manage and mentor medicinal and synthetic chemists
• Interpret complex datasets and direct future experimental strategies
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across biology, pharmacology, DMPK, biophysics and structural biology.
• Manage relationships with external collaborators and CRO partners, ensuring high-quality delivery of chemistry programmes.

Candidate Profile:

• A PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline, with significant postdoctoral and/or industry experience
• Extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry and structure-based drug design
• A proven track record of advancing antibody drug conjugate (ADC) drug discovery programmes with experience of designing and developing novel linker and payload components
• Previous line management, mentoring or leadership experience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience working with external collaborators, CROs or strategic partners

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to play a leading role in cutting-edge drug discovery programmes
• Highly collaborative and science-driven environment
• Significant influence on project strategy and decision-making
• Exposure to multidisciplinary research teams and external collaborations
• Career-defining opportunity within a growing biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines.
• Hybrid working model; 1-2 days/week required on site at company HQ near Cambridge

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