Jul 9, 2026

Principal Drug Discovery Chemist - Remote

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About the Role Join our client, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation, as a Principal Drug Discovery Chemist . This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to contribute your extensive expertise to impactful drug discovery programs from the comfort of your home office. You will lead complex medicinal chemistry projects, design novel therapeutic agents, and drive them through critical early-stage development milestones. This role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of chemistry principles and a proven ability to innovate within a virtual team setting. We are seeking a highly accomplished chemist who can provide scientific leadership, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute significantly to our client's pipeline, all while working remotely from your base in or near Baltimore, Maryland, US . The ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable research strategies is paramount. Key Responsibilities Lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecules for target therapeutic areas. Direct and execute medicinal chemistry campaigns, including hit-to-lead and lead optimization. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists. Apply advanced synthetic organic chemistry techniques to overcome challenging synthetic targets. Interpret complex biological and chemical data to make informed project decisions. Oversee compound library design and synthesis. Prepare high-quality scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications. Mentor and guide junior chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence. Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging technologies in drug discovery. Effectively communicate research progress and strategies to senior management. Requirements Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical or biotech drug discovery. Demonstrated track record of successfully advancing drug candidates from discovery into preclinical development. Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry and a broad understanding of medicinal chemistry principles. Strong experience with structure-activity relationship (SAR) and structure-property relationship (SPR) optimization. Proficiency in utilizing various analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, LC-MS, chiral chromatography). Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills tailored for remote team dynamics. Proven ability to lead scientific projects and mentor team members. Experience with computational chemistry tools and design software is highly desirable. Must have a suitable remote work environment with reliable internet connectivity. Benefits As a valued member of our client's team, you will benefit from a culture that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. This fully remote role comes with a competitive salary and bonus structure, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan. We support continuous learning through professional development programs and provide resources for maintaining an optimal home office setup. You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research with a global impact, collaborate with leading scientists, and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote-first career. Our client is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where scientific curiosity and impactful contributions are celebrated, all within the context of your home-based work near Baltimore, Maryland, US .