Scientist, Cheminformatics

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.  At X-Chem, we do more than screen compounds. We help you make confident decisions that move science forward. Our integrated platform combines DNA-encoded libraries, medicinal chemistry, advanced modeling and proprietary AI into a powerful and precise discovery engine. Everything is connected through Chemomics, our approach to unlocking value from every data point. Whether you’re exploring a new target or refining a lead, we help you discover high-quality molecules with greater speed, insight and control.

We are seeking a candidate for the position of Scientist, Cheminformatics.  Primary responsibilities will be implementation of data governance best practices, cheminformatics support of Drug Discovery Scientist and computational chemistry support where applicable. Engagement with analytical chemistry for Machine Learning and expansion of role into generalized computational chemistry and method development will be a learning opportunity. 

This position provides the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of scientific development in cheminformatics and computational chemistry. We encourage applicants who are interested in pushing the boundaries of what DEL and analytical data is capable of. This hybrid role will be located at X-Chem’s offices in Montreal, QC and will be reporting to Director of Computational Chemistry Innovation, Waltham, US. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, curiosity and a willingness to learn and be flexible.  

Key Responsabilities

• Implement and support the data integrative and workflow efforts across the drug discovery business with a goal of seamless integration of wet/computational data and predictive tools across workflows.
• Support computational chemistry and chemoinformatics efforts in partnership with medicinal chemistry
• Partner with ML on improving our use from a scientific basis
• Support bringing our total data flow and infrastructure to industry standard in terms of governance, documentation, data standardization, and best practice.
• Helping bridge the gap between scientists and R&D technology
• Focus on chemistry and experimental data governance, standards, workflows      

Qualifications

• Education: BSc and/or MSc Degree in Physical Chemistry, Computer Science or related field, and/or a PhD in the same field.
• Experience: 1 to 3 years of industry experience is desirable.
• Fluidity in a coding language (Python, R)
• Familiarity with DEL data and major computational packages (Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye, RDKit);
• Experience with chemoinformatic workflows and processing
• Experience with CDD Vault preferably as an administrator.
• Computational chemistry basic literacy

Other Requirements

• Bilingual (French and English).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Current work authorization in Canada

The company cooperates with its customers, partners and colleagues outside Quebec for the research and development of medical products based on the identification and optimization of small molecules enabling the development of specific drugs. Interaction with colleagues and partners outside Quebec, notably in Budapest and Waltham, is constant. Consequently, knowledge of English is required for this unique and specialized position.  Knowledge of French is required for positions permanently located in Quebec, so that the incumbent can communicate as needed with colleagues, customers and partners in Quebec. French-language training will be offered to any incumbent of a permanent position in Quebec who does not have a good knowledge of French. 

Our scientists innovate beyond reported chemistry while focusing on delivery. We all share a passion for staying at the forefront of computational, chemoinformatics, medicinal and synthetic chemistry. To drive innovation, we acknowledge the importance of intelligent risk-taking, open-mindedness and initiative. We encourage creativity in an informal environment and recognize everyone’s contribution as part of a team to work together toward a common vision.

What are the benefits joining us?

We are focused on the development and career progression of our people to reach their full potential through workshops, training courses and mentor guidance. X-Chem offers competitive compensation (salary and performance incentive) and interesting benefits package. Benefits we offer include: Medical, Dental, STD/LTD and Life Insurance, Retirement Plan with employer match; paid vacations starting at 3 weeks plus paid Christmas shutdown; casual dress, vision care including prescription safety glasses, training sessions and workshops, social hours and team-building company events.