Director / Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry (US-based)
HitGen is looking for a US-Based Medicinal Chemist to strengthen its global Drug Discovery Chemistry team and provide leadership in advancing HitGen’s internal and partnered drug discovery programs. This is a new role with broad visibility within and outside the organization. HitGen is an industry leader in small molecule discovery with strong expertise in DEL-based hit identification, small molecules and macrocycles, and the generation of bispecific molecules such as PROTACS.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in the hit-to-lead-to-candidate optimization process, gained from working in multi-disciplinary team setting in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry, and a proven track record of success.
• *Key Responsibilities**
1.
• *Oversee and Lead Drug Discovery Programs:**
o Provide scientific leadership for internal and partnered medicinal chemistry projects, beginning from hit identification through to preclinical candidate nomination or IND filing.
2.
• *Drive Key Program Advancement:**
o Proactively identify and resolve complex scientific challenges to accelerate the progression of programs.
o Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional internal teams (e.g., Biology, DMPK, Pharmacology, Toxicology) to enable integrated data-driven decision-making.
o Regularly present program updates, strategic recommendations, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders.
3.
• *Support External Collaborations and Partnering Activities:**
o Represent HitGen as Medicinal Chemistry Expert in interactions with partners and clients.
o Serve as a leading medicinal chemistry resource for external partners (outside of China), ensuring seamless project execution, clear communication, and successful outcomes.
o Lead and support project planning and discussions with existing clients and potential collaborators.
o Participate in the communication and out-licensing of proprietary projects and assets to external partners for further development or commercialization.
4.
• *Enhance Departmental Capabilities and Innovation:**
o Continuously evaluate and implement new technologies, platforms, and best practices to strengthen the company's medicinal chemistry capabilities.
o Mentor, coach, and develop team members, fostering their professional growth and building a strong talent pipeline.
• *Qualifications**
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry
• A minimum of
10 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector.
• A proven track record of scientific leadership, demonstrated by having led medicinal chemistry efforts that successfully advanced programs from primary hit to Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
4.
D eep and broad knowledge of modern medicinal chemistry principles, with substantial hands-on experience in designing and optimizing small molecules.
Experience with peptidic or macrocyclic compounds, and/or PROTACs or molecular glues, is valued and considered a plus.
5.
A strong collaborative mindset and a team-oriented approach, with proven ability to foster productive relationships in cross-functional team settings (Biology, DMPK, Pharmacology) as well as with external partners.
• *Other**
HitGen offers an exciting and dynamic workplace environment that thrives on a growth mindset. Our team and business are growing. Expect to be an important and impactful contributor within a positive and business-minded team.
The position of Director/Senior Director is home-based with access to office space in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The position will require 10-20% travel within the United States and China. HitGen offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid-time-off, healthcare, 401K and more.
• If you are interested in this role, please apply with your current CV to: human.resources@hitgen.com*
Apply tot his job