Novartis
Senior Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Novartis, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Senior Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Join Novartis BioMedical Research (BR), the innovation engine of Novartis. Over 6,000 associates are dedicated to discovering transformative medicines. We are reimagining medicine to improve and extend lives through cutting‑edge science and technology.
Location San Diego, CA – onsite
About the Role Global Discovery Chemistry at BR is seeking a passionate and innovative Senior Principal Scientist with a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or an analogous degree. Based in San Diego, you will play a pivotal role in discovering and developing novel therapies across multiple disease areas and therapeutic modalities. This highly collaborative, multidisciplinary position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on unmet medical needs.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Provide strategic and broad team leadership on drug discovery and/or early development projects and initiatives.
Lead and/or contribute to multidisciplinary project teams focused on drug discovery across various disease areas and modalities.
Design and execute medicinal chemistry strategies to deliver high‑quality clinical candidates.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including computational chemists, biologists, protein scientists, and pharmacologists.
Apply state‑of‑the‑art data analysis and digital tools to interpret complex data, develop hypotheses, and design novel molecules.
Drive innovation by initiating new projects, exploring emerging technologies, and contributing to the development of the exploratory portfolio.
Recognize and leverage external collaboration opportunities to advance drug discovery programs and emerging areas of interest.
Document and communicate scientific findings through patents, publications, and presentations.
Mentor and coach scientists, fostering their development and enhancing their impact on projects.
Delegate and empower others; demonstrate strong self‑awareness.
What You Will Bring to the Role
Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of drug discovery experience in a pharmaceutical and/or biotech setting.
Proven track record in medicinal chemistry, including successful advancement of projects to clinical candidate nomination.
Expertise in small molecules, bifunctional molecules, and cell‑targeted conjugates including siRNA.
Hands‑on experience with conjugation techniques and solid‑phase synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides (plus).
Strong understanding of biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and structure‑based drug design.
Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing scientific talent.
Innovative problem‑solving skills and an open mindset to diverse thinking.
Interest in emerging technologies such as data science and automation.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrixed, team‑oriented environment.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts and strategies.
Experience working with external chemistry teams and CROs.
Hands‑on experience with complex and novel therapeutic modalities (e.g., degraders, peptides, ADCs, xRNA).
Compensation The salary range for this position is $138,600 to $257,400 per year, adjusted for relevant experience and skillset. Compensation also includes performance‑based cash incentives and eligibility for annual equity awards at the appropriate level. The final offer will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, and periodic reviews. Salary ranges may change based on company and market factors.
Benefits US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of additional benefits. Employees also enjoy a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leave options.
Why Novartis We are committed to building a community of smart, passionate people who collaborate, support, and inspire each other. Together we achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives and create a brighter future. Learn more about our culture, rewards, and benefits here.
EEO Statement The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations for any part of the application process or job performance, please email careeraccess@novartis.com or call +1(877)395‑2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information, including the job requisition number.
Position Details
Seniority level: Mid–Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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Location San Diego, CA – onsite
About the Role Global Discovery Chemistry at BR is seeking a passionate and innovative Senior Principal Scientist with a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or an analogous degree. Based in San Diego, you will play a pivotal role in discovering and developing novel therapies across multiple disease areas and therapeutic modalities. This highly collaborative, multidisciplinary position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on unmet medical needs.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Provide strategic and broad team leadership on drug discovery and/or early development projects and initiatives.
Lead and/or contribute to multidisciplinary project teams focused on drug discovery across various disease areas and modalities.
Design and execute medicinal chemistry strategies to deliver high‑quality clinical candidates.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including computational chemists, biologists, protein scientists, and pharmacologists.
Apply state‑of‑the‑art data analysis and digital tools to interpret complex data, develop hypotheses, and design novel molecules.
Drive innovation by initiating new projects, exploring emerging technologies, and contributing to the development of the exploratory portfolio.
Recognize and leverage external collaboration opportunities to advance drug discovery programs and emerging areas of interest.
Document and communicate scientific findings through patents, publications, and presentations.
Mentor and coach scientists, fostering their development and enhancing their impact on projects.
Delegate and empower others; demonstrate strong self‑awareness.
What You Will Bring to the Role
Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of drug discovery experience in a pharmaceutical and/or biotech setting.
Proven track record in medicinal chemistry, including successful advancement of projects to clinical candidate nomination.
Expertise in small molecules, bifunctional molecules, and cell‑targeted conjugates including siRNA.
Hands‑on experience with conjugation techniques and solid‑phase synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides (plus).
Strong understanding of biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and structure‑based drug design.
Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing scientific talent.
Innovative problem‑solving skills and an open mindset to diverse thinking.
Interest in emerging technologies such as data science and automation.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrixed, team‑oriented environment.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts and strategies.
Experience working with external chemistry teams and CROs.
Hands‑on experience with complex and novel therapeutic modalities (e.g., degraders, peptides, ADCs, xRNA).
Compensation The salary range for this position is $138,600 to $257,400 per year, adjusted for relevant experience and skillset. Compensation also includes performance‑based cash incentives and eligibility for annual equity awards at the appropriate level. The final offer will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, and periodic reviews. Salary ranges may change based on company and market factors.
Benefits US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of additional benefits. Employees also enjoy a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leave options.
Why Novartis We are committed to building a community of smart, passionate people who collaborate, support, and inspire each other. Together we achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives and create a brighter future. Learn more about our culture, rewards, and benefits here.
EEO Statement The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations for any part of the application process or job performance, please email careeraccess@novartis.com or call +1(877)395‑2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information, including the job requisition number.
Position Details
Seniority level: Mid–Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr