Scientist, Medical Chemistry

**Ridgeline Discovery is looking for a ** Scientist, Medical Chemistry**.** **Ridgeline Discovery**, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of \>50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale. **RESPONSIBILITIES** **Design and Synthesis**: - Contribute to the design of novel, active, and proprietary small molecules, utilizing state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry knowledge. - Focus on optimizing compounds during the hit-to-lead phase, refining structure-activity relationships (SAR) based on emerging data. - Proactively propose new strategies and design target molecules to improve compound properties based on biological testing and ADME characterization. **Execution of Syntheses**: - Execute the synthesis of small molecules using our CRO network, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of project objectives. - Maintain a strong background in complex molecule synthesis, utilizing a wide range of techniques related to synthesis, purification, and analysis. **Collaborative Research**: - Work closely and collaboratively with our interdisciplinary team of scientists, including biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK experts, to ensure the advancement of our pipeline objectives. - Contribute to cross-functional project teams, providing medicinal chemistry expertise and actively participating in strategic discussions. **Data Analysis and Reporting**: - Summarize research findings and prepare publications and patents to disseminate results within the scientific community. - Utilize data analysis tools and databases to inform and refine research strategies. **Innovation and Development**: - Stay current with the latest scientific literature and technological advances in medicinal chemistry. **QUALIFICATIONS** - Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field. - Post-doctoral experience is preferred, with 2 to 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry. - Proven experience in medicinal chemistry with a strong emphasis on the hit-to-lead phase and complex molecule synthesis. - Familiarity with key concepts and optimization strategies in medicinal chemistry, including a clear understanding of ADME properties. - Basic understanding of disease biology and experience with all stages of pre-clinical research in drug discovery. - Demonstrated ability to design and synthesize novel small molecules. - Proficiency in modern synthetic techniques, purification methods, and analytical tools. - Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with a proven track record of productive research, as evidenced by publications and/or patents. - Familiarity with molecular modeling software (e.g., Maestro) and experience with CRO collaboration are considered a plus. **WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER** - **People**: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people. - **Creativity**: We offer an innovative and creative environment. - **Development**: We support the individual development of our employees. - **Fun**: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events. - **Offices**: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel. - **Commuter Benefits**: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution. - **Flexible Working**: We support flexible working as appropriate. - **Christmas Closure**: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year. - **Birthday Retreat**: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off. - **Food**: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge. - **Coffee**: Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee.