Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Centessa Pharmaceuticals

. Lead the medicinal chemistry component of a multidisciplinary CNS GPCR drug discovery program .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts • United StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in medicinal chemistry and synthetic chemistry principles, with a strong focus on CNS drug discovery and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Proficient in developing chemistry strategies, analyzing SAR data, and utilizing structure-based drug design tools to drive projects toward IND-ready candidates.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Medicinal Chemistry LeadershipSynthetic Chemistry ExpertiseCNS Drug Discovery ExperiencePharmacology and ADME KnowledgeOutsourced Chemistry Team Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Medicinal ChemistrySynthetic ChemistryStructure-Based Drug DesignSmall Molecule DesignCandidate Selection CriteriaIntellectual Property DevelopmentHit-to-Lead OptimizationLead OptimizationSAR AnalysisComputational Predictive Tools

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsInterpersonal SkillsAdaptive Problem-SolvingIndependent Scientific JudgmentCuriosity and Drive for Innovation

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD in Chemistry

Industry Keywords

CNS TargetsBiotechPharmaceutical CompanyDrug DiscoveryVirtual Team Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the medicinal chemistry component of a multidisciplinary CNS GPCR drug discovery program
Guide a geographically distributed organization including internal chemistry staff, CRO-based synthetic chemistry teams, consultants, and partners
Lead and manage internal chemistry resources and outsourced chemistry teams
Set priorities, resolve synthetic challenges, and direct groups toward IND-ready candidate molecules
Serve as chemistry leader within the broader multidisciplinary project team
Build working relationships with colleagues, partners, consultants, and CROs
Design new molecules addressing the target product profile and establish intellectual property
Develop chemistry strategies supporting a robust intellectual property position
Analyze SAR from weekly pharmacology and ADME data to identify opportunities for improved molecules
Maintain awareness of competitor activities and medicinal chemistry developments
Maximize throughput of test compounds
Utilize structure-based drug design knowledge and compound-property computational predictive tools
Present data and articulate next steps at chemistry-focused and cross-functional meetings
Defend proposed designs using SAR and literature precedent
Communicate ideas clearly in writing and verbally with project teams and senior management

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS Chemistry; PhD strongly preferred
10+ years designing small molecules as a medicinal chemistry team leader within a biotech and/or pharmaceutical company
Expert command of synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry principles
Working knowledge of pharmacology, ADME, pharmaceutical sciences, IP protection, and candidate selection criteria
Experience working on CNS targets
Experience across all stages of discovery, from hit-to-lead and lead optimization through IND-ready candidates
Proven ability to lead and motivate remote and virtual teams toward aggressive timelines
Strong independent scientific judgment, interpersonal, and leadership skills
Experience managing outsourced chemistry teams
Adaptive problem-solving ability
Technical depth and a growth mindset
Curiosity and drive for self-identified innovation, especially involving artificial intelligence and digital tools

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discretionary annual bonus
401(k) plan
Company-sponsored medical insurance
Company-sponsored dental insurance
Company-sponsored vision insurance
Company-sponsored life insurance
Generous paid time off
Health and wellness program
Occasional travel associated with remote work