Position Title: Director of Automated Medicinal Chemistry
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Company Overview:
Synfini is an agile discovery company pioneering the transformation of small molecule drug discovery through the integration of AI-driven molecular design and advanced chemistry automation technology. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Synfini unites virtual and physical chemistry with a powerful, chemist-first AI platform and discovery-focused robotic automation, dramatically reducing the time and cost required to translate targets and virtual drug concepts into validated candidates.
Position Summary:
The Director of Automated Medicinal Chemistry will oversee and contribute to all aspects of small molecule drug discovery, leveraging expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, cheminformatics, structure-based drug design (SBDD), AI-driven molecular design, and chemistry automation technologies. The Director will be responsible for implementing, optimizing, and maintaining automated synthesis and purification systems-including robotic reaction screening, parallel synthesis and automated purification technologies-to accelerate the drug discovery and optimization process. In addition to leading and mentoring chemists and designing novel molecules using state-of-the-art approaches, the Director will play a key role in developing Synfini’s discovery platform and advancing innovative technologies to automate the small-molecule drug discovery process. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in multidisciplinary team environments and a passion for advancing next-generation solutions in drug discovery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage medicinal chemistry efforts across multiple drug discovery programs, from hit identification to candidate selection.
- Design and execute medicinal chemistry strategies, utilizing advanced chemistry automation hardware systems capable of reaction screening, parallel synthesis, individual compound production, and integrated purification systems.
- Oversee the implementation and operation of automated purification platforms (e.g. flash chromatography and preparative HPLC, ensuring efficient and reproducible compound isolation and purification.
- Apply advanced AI-based property prediction tools/molecule generation methods, SBDD (including molecular docking), and cheminformatics methods to guide molecular design.
- Interpret biological, ADME, and pharmacokinetic data to optimize compounds and achieve desired target profiles.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and computational scientists, to ensure project alignment and progress.
- Mentor and lead a small group of chemists, providing guidance, training, and career development opportunities, with a focus on innovative applications of the use of chemistry automation technologies.
- Contribute to the preparation of patents, scientific reports, and publications.
- Present project updates and strategic recommendations to senior management and multidisciplinary teams.
- Stay current with advances in medicinal chemistry, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to drug discovery, with particular attention to developments in chemistry automation.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in small molecule drug discovery at a pharmaceutical or biotech company.
- Experience with chemistry automation technologies and automated purification systems, including the optimization of workflows for synthesis and purification of small-molecules.
- Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of modern medicinal chemistry, including familiarity with cheminformatics, SBDD, and AI-based molecular design.
- Proven experience leading and mentoring teams in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong understanding of ADME/PK, pharmacology, and preclinical safety principles.
- Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Strong publication and/or patent record in medicinal chemistry or related fields.
Compensation:
We offer a competitive compensation package, including base salary, benefits, and equity incentives, commensurate with experience.