Candidate specification:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To add value to Charnwood Molecular by building and developing the Computational Chemistry Department
• To lead, manage and undertake structure based design, docking and ligand optimisation
• To lead, manage and undertake fragment based design projects
• To lead, manage and undertake protein sequence analysis and homology modelling- including multiple sequence alignment and homology modelling experience across numerous protein classes, including GPCRs
• To demonstrate use of computational tools and techniques including virtual screening, structure-activity relationships, and chemoinformatics
• To show ability and willingness to recruit and supervise colleagues in the Computational Chemistry Department, mentoring and supporting team members as required
• To be efficient in virtual screening – using protein x-ray structures and a variety of a ligand based methods such as shape and fingerprint based technologies.
• To lead the development of platform technologies within the company
• To identify new business opportunities and write proposals
• To take a proactive approach to one’s professional development
• To travel to, or work temporarily at, other Charnwood Molecular facilities in the UK from time to time as required
• To attend to any other incidental and general duties as specified from time to time by his/her Line Managers
• To use analytical skills and industry knowledge and experience to support Computational Chemistry Department
• To regularly and proactively update his/her Line Manager on the progress of work activities and associated projects
• To work with due consideration to the health and safety of oneself and one’s colleagues at all times.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

• A PhD in computational chemistry or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in structure based design – docking and ligand optimisation.
• Experience of working on fragment based design projects would also be an advantage.
• Several years’ experience working on small molecule drug discovery projects
• Experience of protein sequence analysis and homology modelling – experience of multiple sequence alignment and homology modelling experience across numerous protein classes, including GPCRs, would be an advantage.
• Experience of Ligand based design – SAR analysis of project data sets and calculation of ADME/Tox relevant properties including core replacement work and focussed library design.
• Experience with a variety of computational tools and techniques including virtual screening, structure-activity relationships, and chemoinformatics
• A drug discovery background gained within a pharmaceutical company or at a CRO is preferred.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Excellent communications & team working skills
• The skill set to recruit, train and support new and junior Computational Chemists.
• The ability to conduct virtual screening – using protein x-ray structures and a variety of a ligand based methods such as shape and fingerprint based technologies.
• The ability to lead the development of platform technologies within the company.
• The ability to identify new business opportunities and write proposals.