Scientific Group Leader (indefinite, full time job)

Scientific Group Leader (indefinite, full time job)

About Us

At X-Chem, it is our mission to leverage the world’s leading drug discovery platform to help create molecules that will improve human health. X-Chem is the leader in small molecule discovery science, providing pharmaceutical and biotech companies a complete, seamless solution for screening, hit validation and lead optimization. As pioneers of DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) technology, the company leverages its market-leading DEL platform to discover novel small molecule leads against challenging, high-value therapeutic targets. Our expertise in medicinal chemistry, custom synthesis and scale-up process chemistry enables us to support all aspects of drug discovery, supporting lead optimization through candidate identification.

Our Budapest operations specialize in the synthesis of small molecules in support of in-house and external customer medicinal chemistry projects. We are seeking a Scientific Group Leader to join our Budapest team and help grow our synthetic chemistry capabilities.

Job Description

Overview

Reporting to the Head of Synthetic Chemistry or Director of Chemistry, the candidate will be a key member of the chemistry leadership team, managing and mentoring project leaders, providing expert insight and advice in the development of synthetic routes and ensuring that projects deliver on time and with successful outcomes. This individual should be a highly skilled and motivated chemist with organic synthesis expertise and a good understanding of medicinal chemistry processes, good communication skills, and extensive experience managing in a matrixed team environment.  A successful track record is also required.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead project teams as single point of accountability, developing overall strategy and managing project timelines to deliver on major milestones in a timely manner
• Develop and review synthetic routes and pathways as well as protocols for the optimal delivery of required molecules
• Prepare and/or review reports, proposals and presentations as domain expert in synthetic chemistry to ensure technical and strategic excellence for team and project stakeholders
• Provide technical oversight and expertise in classical, modern and emerging synthetic methods as required
• Understand and integrate scientific findings across multiple research areas/projects
• Fosters the professional development of other scientists
• People/Team Engagement:
  • Participate in recruitment activities (interviews, career fairs)
  • Mentoring of team members
  • Participate in the development of internal training programs designed to improve the overall level and standard of synthetic chemistry – and related analytical chemistry - within the organization
  • Encourage continuous growth of team members
  • Participate in the annual performance assessment of his/her team members

Requirements

• PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in industry (CRO or early stage drug discovery corporation) and 5 years experience in people management and leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry
• Experience in overseeing staff and ability to perform as a senior team leader in the context of complex projects
• Demonstrable effective leadership skills
• Demonstrated a high level of professionalism in working with internal and external teams, collaborators to achieve specific outcomes
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills

Benefits 

X-Chem offers competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our global colleagues. Our Pay for Performance Philosophy and Practices reward colleagues based on the contributions they make to our business. 

Our Competitive Benefits Programs help our colleagues by: 

• Promoting Health and Wellness to help colleagues maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. X-Chem offerings include health and disability insurance, preventative health programs, medical screenings, personal wellness benefits consistent with local customs and more. 
• Providing Benefits and Time off for the Moments that Matter to ensure X-Chem colleagues have the time away from the office to recharge, recover and return to work. Time off policies, family leave and flexible schedules are just the beginning supplemented by additional country-specific programs. 
• Values Based Culture fosters innovation, empowers its employees and demands integrity, collaboration and excellence while support investments into Women’s Heath, Development of Green Chemistry Initiatives and Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to both live our mission and engage our communities. 
• We are focused on the development and career progression of our people to reach their full potential through workshops, training courses and mentor guidance.