Our client, a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Lead Drug Discovery Chemist to join their innovative team in

Raleigh, North Carolina, US

. This leadership role is essential for guiding the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for therapeutic development. You will leverage your extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry to drive early-stage drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization, working within a highly collaborative and dynamic research environment. Responsibilities: Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for multiple drug discovery programs, providing strategic direction and technical expertise. Design and synthesize novel small molecules with desired pharmacological profiles, employing state-of-the-art synthetic organic chemistry techniques. Optimize lead compounds for potency, selectivity, ADME properties, and in vivo efficacy. Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to define structure-activity relationships (SAR) and structure-property relationships (SPR). Oversee and mentor a team of medicinal chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation. Manage external collaborations with contract research organizations (CROs) as needed. Analyze and interpret complex data sets from synthesis, biophysical assays, and in vivo studies. Contribute to the preparation of patent applications, scientific publications, and regulatory filings. Stay current with the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and relevant therapeutic areas. Ensure efficient project execution, timely delivery of milestones, and effective communication with stakeholders. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry, with a strong emphasis on synthetic chemistry. Minimum of 7 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery, with a proven track record of leading successful medicinal chemistry programs. Demonstrated expertise in the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule therapeutics. In-depth knowledge of SAR/SPR, ADMET properties, and drug design principles. Proficiency with analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC) for compound characterization. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience in managing direct reports and external collaborations. Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. A passion for creating innovative medicines and a commitment to scientific rigor. This hybrid position in

Raleigh, North Carolina, US

offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful drug discovery initiatives.