Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

Location

Houston, TX

Overview

Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines. Powered by a fully AI‑integrated discovery engine and unparalleled ligase expertise, our team translates the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. We aim to establish degrader‑based treatments at the forefront of patient care.

Position

Principal Scientist – Medicinal Chemistry

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry to join our medicinal chemistry group. The role involves designing and synthesizing novel chemical entities optimized for potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and in‑vivo efficacy. You will collaborate with computational and structural biology teams, contribute to patents, reports, and publications, and initiate process improvements within the chemistry department.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize small‑molecule degraders.
• Conduct structure–activity relationship studies and integrate medicinal chemistry with biology and pharmacology.
• Partner with computational chemists to apply models, tools, and visualization for drug discovery.
• Lead or co‑lead cross‑functional projects and mentor junior chemists.
• Prepare patent applications, scientific reports, and publications.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the chemistry workflow.
• Manage priorities and advance multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with 10+ years of pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience;
• Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 8+ years of pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience.
• Proven track record of delivering advanced leads or development candidates.
• Strong knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, ADME concepts, and SAR.
• Solid understanding of protein‑ligand interactions and structural analysis.
• Expert in organic synthesis with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Leadership experience in a cross‑functional team setting.
• Ability to propose innovative target structures or templates for programs.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present data and rationale to stakeholders.
• Experience supervising direct reports and mentoring for career development is a plus.
• Strong conceptual thinking and ability to drive projects or new directions.

Fit with Nurix Culture and Values

• Strong team orientation; highly collaborative.
• Ability to function in a dynamic environment.
• Solutions‑ and results‑oriented focus.
• Hands‑on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view.

Salary Range

Principal Scientist: $155,579 – $179,450 + Bonus and Equity

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