Principal Medicinal Chemist

About Deep Origin Deep Origin is a biotechnology company building an operating system for science that transforms how life science research is conducted. Our AI-powered platforms simulate biology, streamline R&D workflows, and enable scientists to model complex biological systems at scale. As part of strategic government-backed initiatives and the expansion of our AI-driven simulation infrastructure, we are scaling our capabilities in whole-human modeling and predictive toxicology. Exceptional modeling talent is a critical lever in accelerating our mission to reduce disease and extend human healthspan. About the Role We are seeking a Principal Medicinal Chemist to lead and advance small-molecule drug discovery programs from early hit identification through development candidate selection. This is a senior, hands-on scientific leadership role requiring deep expertise in medicinal chemistry, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. This position calls for a highly creative and experienced chemist who can independently design and execute medicinal chemistry strategies while contributing to the integration of computational and AI-driven approaches into drug discovery workflows. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical depth with the ability to guide internal teams and external partners toward impactful outcomes. Must-Have PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field with 3-8 years of industry experience (or MS with 5-10 years, BS with 8-15 years) in medicinal chemistry Proven track record of advancing drug discovery programs through key milestones (Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization) Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including modern methods and reaction mechanisms Strong experience in structure-based and ligand-based drug design Demonstrated ability to optimize compounds for potency, selectivity, and DMPK/safety properties High level of creativity, productivity, and independent problem-solving ability Experience managing external CROs and collaborating across disciplines Excellent English communication skills with the ability to clearly present complex scientific concepts Experience working remotely with international teams. Nice-to-Have Experience integrating computational chemistry, machine learning, or AI-driven design into medicinal chemistry workflows Background in predictive toxicology or ADMET modeling Prior experience contributing to IND-enabling studies or clinical candidate selection Familiarity with modern data science tools and cheminformatics platforms. Key Responsibilities Propose and independently drive medicinal chemistry strategies to progress programs from hit identification through lead optimization to development candidate selection Lead chemistry efforts within cross-functional project teams – computational scientists, biologists, and ML engineers Design novel compounds using structure-based and ligand-based approaches to optimize potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties Analyze SAR data and guide iterative design cycles to find a balance between potency, selectivity, and physico-chemical properties Contribute to and integrate AI-driven and computational modeling insights into compound design strategies Serve as a technical leader and mentor for internal chemists and external collaborators Manage external CRO partnerships to ensure high-quality and timely delivery of chemistry objectives Author and contribute to patent applications, scientific publications, and internal reports. Values & Cultural Alignment Operates with ownership and urgency in ambiguous scientific environments Communicates complex modeling concepts with clarity and precision Thrives in cross-disciplinary collaboration between science and engineering Approaches scientific challenges with intellectual rigor and curiosity Balances research depth with practical execution toward milestone delivery Why This Role Matters Now Deep Origin is at a pivotal moment in scaling its AI-driven platform to transform drug discovery. As we expand into whole-human modeling and predictive toxicology, medicinal chemistry plays a critical role in translating computational insights into real-world therapeutic candidates. This role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge AI and traditional drug discovery, offering the opportunity to redefine how medicines are designed—faster, more efficiently, and with greater precision than ever before.