Principal Scientist/ (Associate) Director, Medicinal Chemistry

ph3Principal Scientist/ (Associate) Director, Medicinal Chemistry /h3pFull-time /ph3About us /h3pSERAC Biosciences AG is looking for a bPrincipal Scientist/ (Associate) Director, Medicinal Chemistry. /b 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. For our portfolio company SERAC Biosciences AG, we are looking for a motivated and experienced medicinal chemist who wants to play a key role in shaping our early discovery and drug design programs. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, contributes scientific leadership, and enjoys solving complex challenges using modern tools and innovative approaches. At Serac, this person will help drive projects from idea to clinical candidate while working closely with cross‑functional experts. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact in advancing new therapies. /ph3Responsibilities /h3bScientific Leadership Strategy: /bulliCollaborate with senior leadership to define and execute medicinal chemistry strategy across multiple early discovery and lead optimization programs. /liliActively contributes to Serac’s medicinal chemistry effort, advancing projects from early discovery through clinical candidate nomination. /liliApply advanced, multi-parameter optimization approaches to drive SAR, ADME, and efficacy in target molecules and actively promotes the use of enabling technologies. Fluent in data analysis software. /liliDefine project goals, set key scientific milestones, and ensure that programs remain on track through critical mandation. /li /ulbProject Management Collaboration: /bulliBuild strong collaborations across functions. /liliwith Ability to manage CRO relationships, ensuring the quality and efficiency of outsourced chemistry activities. /liliStrong contributions/leadership of cross-functional project teams, contributing medicinal chemistry expertise and providing guidance to biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology functions. /liliContribute to strategic discussions within a multidisciplinary matrix team environment, promoting data-driven development and innovation. /li /ulbResearch Development Innovation: /bulliMaintain a high level of technical skill and scientific knowledge, staying abreast of new methodologies and advancements in medicinal chemistry. /liliEngage in scientific problem-solving to address challenges in lead discovery and optimization, utilizing insights from structural biology and computational chemistry. /liliRepresents Serac in interactions with stakeholders, external collaborators, and within the scientific community. /li /ulh3Qualifications /h3ulliJob level is based on experience. /liliPh.D. in Chemistry with 5+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry. /liliDemonstrated expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, with a proven track record of advancing drug discovery programs from target ID to clinical candidate stage. /liliStrong publication and/or patent record in the field of drug design, reflecting significant contributions to medicinal chemistry and hit-to-lead optimization. /liliExperience in collaborating with CROs and managing multidisciplinary project teams. /liliA proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges with excellent communication skills in English, enabling productive collaboration in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. /li /ulh3What we currently offer /h3ullibOffices: /b Our well‑equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early‑stage start‑ups in Basel. /lilibCommuter Benefits: /b We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution. /lilibFlexible Working: /b We support flexible working as appropriate. /lilibChristmas Closure: /b In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year. /lilibBirthday Retreat: /b On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off. /lilibFood: /b We like get‑togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge. /lilibCoffee: /b Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee. /lilibDevelopment: /b We support the individual development of our employees. /lilibCreativity: /b We offer an innovative and creative environment. /lilibPeople: /b We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people. /lilibFun: /b From time‑to‑time we organise cool off‑site summer and winter team events. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr