Senior Research Scientist, Computational Drug Design

General Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced computational chemist to join our Computational Drug Design group in Oxford. This individual will be responsible for contributing to both hit/lead identification and optimization programs using methods encompassing all computational aspects of drug discovery. The right candidate's responsibilities include close interaction with interdisciplinary projects teams to identify and advance safe and efficacious molecules. In addition, this individual will work collaboratively with the global Data and Computational Sciences group to provide expertise in data analysis, cheminformatics, and physics-based methods development. Thus, this individual must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and have demonstrated the ability to guide scientists in drug discovery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Apply computational chemistry methods and tools to accelerate the discovery and development of drug candidates, in close collaboration with chemists, structural biologists, biologists and other project scientists

Leverage physics-based methods, generative models and machine learning approaches to design new chemical entities

Contribute to the further development of Vertex’s computational chemistry capabilities with a focus on physics-based method (e.g. FEP, ABFE, QM)

Use timely decision making to ensure focus and delivery of key project objectives. Promote high levels of productivity and urgency

Proactively work with other computational chemists and cheminformaticians to assess and develop new computational methodologies, create workflows and share successful methods

Seek out opportunities to improve Vertex’s global R&D capabilities through collaboration with DMPK, Structural Biology, safety assessment, and other groups

Knowledge and Skills:

In depth knowledge of physics-based methods and the state-of-the-art in computational chemistry and their application in drug discovery

Experience with commercial and/or open-source molecular modeling and data mining software

Knowledge of concepts related to drug discovery and development

Strong solution-oriented attitude, spirit of innovation and creativity, good time and priority management

Scripting and programming expertise in languages such as Python

Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

Education and Experience:

Ph.D in Computational Chemistry or related discipline or equivalent combination or education and experience.

Minimum of 2-4 years of post-doctoral employment and experience in drug discovery is required

Experience in applying a wide array of molecular modeling methods to structure, ligand and fragment-based drug discovery projects

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

#LI-Hybrid

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at .

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