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: [email protected]*
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