Computational Medicinal Chemist

Internal Job Title: Senior Expert I/Senior Expert II, Data Science

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

About this role:

Join our vibrant and innovative Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) team in Cambridge, where we bring together diverse talents to redefine the way Biomedical Research discovery teams validate and develop new targets. We are a driving force behind drug discovery, and we are now eagerly searching for an exceptional computational scientist like you to join our ranks.

Imagine the opportunity to unlock hidden knowledge and disruptive insights from the vast and invaluable data collected by one of the world's most renowned pharmaceutical companies. We need your expertise, experience, and unwavering passion to help us extract this wealth of information. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of scientists, you will be at the forefront of crafting inventive solutions to the most pressing drug discovery challenges, forging new paths toward groundbreaking medicines.

Are you ready to seize this extraordinary chance to make a significant impact in the field of drug discovery? We invite you to embark on this thrilling journey with us, as we push the boundaries of what's possible in scientific exploration. Join our team and be part of a revolution that will shape the future of medicine.

Together, we will transform the landscape of drug discovery, accelerate breakthroughs, and change lives. Apply now and let your expertise shine in our dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

Your Responsibilities Include:

• Drive the design of medicinal chemistry efforts by applying in-depth knowledge of structure-activity relationships (SAR), a profound understanding of target biology, and predictive methods for assessing on- and off-target activity, physical properties, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and synthetic feasibility; familiarity with cyclic peptide optimization/structural bioinformatics and/or solvation-based designs is a plus.
• Thrive at the intersection of experimental and groundbreaking digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) as applied to small molecule/cyclic peptide drug discovery.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and engage with internal and external scientists to incorporate biological insights into lead characterization and screening initiatives.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary project teams to facilitate effective decision-making throughout the target identification to candidate nomination process. This involves applying and developing predictive models based on high-content and time-resolved screening data, including imaging techniques.
• Drive hypothesis generation to enhance clinical success rates for programs involving small molecules/cyclic peptides.
• Take a leading role in cross-disciplinary mechanistic studies using physics-based modeling and simulation, biophysical characterization, and cellular validation. These studies will inform the strategic targeting strategies of discovery projects, aiming for optimal mechanisms of action (MoAs).

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree in computational chemistry, chemical physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, computational biology, computational chemical biology, or a related field. Candidates with a laboratory-based background in chemistry and biology, supplemented with strong computational experience, are also encouraged to apply.
• 2+ years of experience (depends on the position level) working with project teams in a drug discovery environment.
• Desirable track record of innovation through analogue design, leading to significant impact on discovery projects.
• Familiarity with drug design tools and high-performance computing environments and strong publication history in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proactively anticipates project needs with a clinical focus.
• Demonstrates rigor and diligence in idea substantiation, analogue design, and experimentation.
• Strong team orientation with multitasking and adaptability in support and leadership roles.
• Effective listener with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in data visualization to effectively communicate insights.

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $130,400 to $195,600 for Senior Expert I, and $144,000 to $216,000/year for Senior Expert II; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.