Sr./Exec. Director, Medicinal Chemistry - CRO

• Lead high‑impact integrated discovery programs globally, as part of a new team.

• Manage and influence scientific strategy with critical Big Pharma relationships.

About Our Client Publicly traded CRO; major player in small molecules R&D which spans 20,000+ employees across North America, Europe, and Asia. Services range from initial concept through advanced development stages. Highly collaborative across geographies and scientific specialties to deliver across a variety of impactful therapeutic programs. Their environment emphasizes scientific excellence, partnership, and innovation. The company values leaders who combine deep expertise with collaborative execution.

Job Description

• Lead medicinal chemistry strategy and provide expert scientific direction for small molecule discovery programs.
• Support due diligence for new collaborative programs and develop integrated project plans.
• Drive innovative compound design and guide intellectual property development.
• Partner with computational chemistry to enable structure‑based and virtual design workflows.
• Interpret SAR and data packages spanning biology, ADME, PK, and in vivo studies to advance candidates.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional scientific teams across global research centers.
• Identify scientific solutions, troubleshoot program challenges, and maintain alignment with partner goals.
• Deliver clear program updates to internal leadership and external collaborators.
• Stay current with emerging research and evolving trends in drug discovery.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. The Successful Applicant

• Ph.D. in a chemistry‑related field with substantial industry experience, or equivalent leadership background.
• Extensive leadership experience in medicinal chemistry within a high‑level pharma/biopharma group. Big Pharma experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven success driving small‑molecule programs through hit identification, lead optimization, and preclinical advancement.
• Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and modern medicinal chemistry principles.
• Familiarity with computational modeling, in vitro biology, DMPK, and in vivo pharmacology.

What's on Offer

• Expansion role - 1st hire expected to run Chemistry for Global Integrated Discovery Team
• Competitive base salary
• Fantastic culture: team made up of science-driven, patient-centric staff who are highly collaborative at all levels.
• Remote position with some travel. Based anywhere in the USA.
• Strong benefits package.
• Opportunity to expand Discovery background into a commercial position at an Executive level.
• Bonus and additional incentives.
• Growth opportunity reporting to senior leadership.
• Global group which has consistently grown YoY over the last 10+ years.

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