Scientist/ Senior Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

CK Group are working in partnership with Nxera Pharma to recruit for talented Scientists/Senior Scientists to join their Chemistry Discovery team.

Applications are welcomed from candidates that have recently graduated from university with a degree qualification in Chemistry through to candidates with up to 5 years post PhD experience. 

Location:

Granta Park, Cambridge.

Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new speciality medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs globally.

Their pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across CNS, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of our unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery “NxWave” platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates.

In Cambridge UK, Nxera have built outstanding capabilities across their platform, discovery and translational medicine teams, to advance multiple programs from pre-clinical through to early clinical development.

About the roles:

The successful candidates will join the Chemistry Discovery team at Nxera and will have a passion for the fields of Synthetic & Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery. There are a range of positions available, from Scientist through to Senior Scientist level depending on candidate skills and experience.

Responsibilities will include:

High synthetic chemistry productivity that impacts drug discovery programs. Innovative route design & implementation through application of high-end synthetic expertise and state of the art methodology. Effective troubleshooting & problem solving of challenging chemistry. Contribution to medicinal chemistry strategies and execution on the overall project strategy from Target ID to Candidate nomination. Contribution to molecule design that drive delivery of high-quality molecules to enable target validation and generation of candidate molecules for clinical assessment. Maintaining the highest levels of Health and Safety across the Medicinal Chemistry team. At a more senior level, define & lead medicinal chemistry strategy and manage a team of CRO synthetic chemists ensuring effective prioritisation and high productivity.

Skills and Experience:

A degree in Chemistry or relevant scientific discipline (BSc, MSc or PhD). At a Scientist level, to show enthusiasm to learn new aspects of medicinal and synthetic chemistry with growing confidence in molecule design. At a Research Scientist/Senior Scientist level, to show experience of organic synthesis and/or medicinal chemistry with the ability to apply this in a practical environment. An enthusiasm and motivation for Drug Discovery. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability for lateral thinking. Ability to work flexibly within a team, whilst being highly self-motivated and able to work independently. Excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines.

Other information

What’s in it for you?

State-of-the-art R&D centre located in the heart of the Cambridge science cluster· Competitive compensation package including discretionary cash bonuses. Eligible for grants of Restricted Stock Units. 25 days annual leave in addition to public holidays plus the option to purchase an additional 5 days each year. Employer contribution to pension. Private Medical Insurance for employees and family and a cash plan for dental and optical reimbursement. Health and wellbeing benefits including a subsidised individual gym membership. Income protection to cover long term absences due to ill health. Group Death in Service equal to 4x basic annual salary.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter, providing a short description of the background of your interest in the role.

CK Group are our partnered agency on this role.