Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Vertex is seeking a Director, Medicinal Chemistry to provide people management and strategic leadership for small-molecule discovery programs and to help advance compounds from early discovery through candidate selection. This role is responsible for defining and executing medicinal chemistry strategy, leading compound design and optimization, and advancing programs through close partnership with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will manage a team and bring deep scientific expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of advancing discovery-stage programs in a fast-paced research environment. This is an on-site role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for small-molecule discovery programs aligned with portfolio and project objectives.
2. Drive compound design, synthesis, and optimization to advance high-quality development candidates.
3. Guide SAR strategy and data-driven decision-making to support candidate selection.
4. Partner closely with biology, DMPK, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences to advance program goals.
5. Integrate developability, drug property, and translational considerations into chemistry strategy.
6. Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and development support to chemistry team members.
7. Manage external collaborators and contribute to productive research partnerships.
8. Communicate program strategy, data, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and governance teams.
9. Support intellectual property strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 9+ years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience; Master's degree with 12+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant experience in medicinal chemistry and small molecule-drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success advancing discovery programs through candidate selection.
• Experience leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams including in matrixed settings.
• Proven ability to mentor scientists and provide strategic scientific leadership.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.