Excelsior Sciences of New York is transforming small molecule therapeutic drug discovery with the use of modular chemistry, to make better medicines fast. Excelsior's modular approach leverages smart blocks as the foundation of drug design and synthesis. Our smart blocks and proprietary methodologies enable chemistry that machines can do, rather than building machines that attempt to do chemistry as it is practiced today. By coupling our automated synthesis and testing, we can reduce the design-make-test-analyze cycle to two weeks. This rapid generation of high-quality data allows us to fully leverage AI/ML to create closed learning loops and conduct multiparameter optimization, resulting in better medicines, fast. Excelsior's operations are fully U.S.-based, as our automated approach enables us to onshore integrated drug discovery.

We seek an entrepreneurial Medicinal Chemist with strong technical and problem-solving skills in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, to serve as Lead Medicinal Chemist. The successful candidate will join an emerging company with a unique approach to discovering next-generation small molecule therapeutics.

The ideal candidate is well-versed and experienced in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry, including PK/PD and toxicology studies, has exceptional written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and critical thinking skills. The candidate will have experience applying structure-based drug design to lead optimization, including optimization of potency, and selectivity. Experience participating in and leading multiple programs from Hit Identification to Clinical Candidate is highly desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively as part of a cross-functional project team, provide functional expertise and leadership across a portfolio of small molecule projects
• Provide leadership in the design, synthesis and characterization of molecules as part of drug discovery efforts.
• Evaluate the optimization of multiple parameters in the development of Structure Activity Relationships (SAR).
• Provide functional expertise and leadership in the development of work plans (from lead identification to drug candidate selection) for small molecules
• Coordinate and oversee key aspects of a Sponsored Research Agreement with researchers at UIUC
• Provide functional expertise and leadership to the development of novel chemical approaches to next-generation therapeutics.
• Contribute to intellectual property.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry with 10+ years of hands-on Medicinal Chemistry experience in the (bio)pharmaceutical industry
• Deep knowledge and demonstrated problem-solving skills in Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
• Significant experience applying structural information and molecular modeling to the drug design process
• Have a deep understanding of organic chemical reactivity and complex molecule synthesis.
• Hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation to elucidate chemical structures.
• Excellent understanding of the drug discovery process and a proven track record of contributing to the identification of lead compounds and clinical candidates.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent team player.

The salary range for this position is $190,000- $250,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be based on factors such as relevant experience, education, and skills. In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off and other benefits.

Excelsior Sciences of New York Is an equal opportunity employer (EEO).  We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to religion, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

 #LI-DNI