Director / Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

h4About us /h4ppstrong Ridgeline Discovery /strong, 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. /pbrWe are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial strongDirector / Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry /strong to lstrongead small molecule drug discovery efforts /strong across one of Ridgeline Discovery’s innovative portfolio companies.brThe successful candidate will play a central scientific leadership role in advancing first-in-class therapeutic programs directed against novel intracellular targets. Working closely with biology, DMPK, computational chemistry and project leadership teams, this individual will drive medicinal chemistry strategy from hit identification through candidate nomination.brThis position offers a unique opportunity to shape the direction of an emerging biotech company while contributing directly to innovative drug discovery programs with significant therapeutic potential. /pbrh4Responsibilities /h4pulliDefine and execute medicinal chemistry strategies from hit identification through candidate nomination. /liliLead SAR development across multiple chemical series and establish data-driven decision-making processes to maximize project progression. /liliDrive molecular design efforts balancing potency, selectivity, PK/PD properties, safety, developability and intellectual property considerations. /liliApply modern medicinal chemistry approaches to challenging intracellular targets and novel biological mechanisms. /liliLeverage structure-based drug design and multidisciplinary data to guide optimization strategies. /liliCollaborate closely with Biology, DMPK and Computational Chemistry teams to accelerate progression of small molecule programs. /liliProvide scientific leadership to internal and external medicinal chemistry teams. /liliManage and mentor medicinal chemists and external CRO partners. /liliContribute to portfolio strategy, target evaluation and candidate selection discussions. /liliSupport patent strategy and contribute to invention disclosures and patent filings. /liliRepresent the company in interactions with external collaborators, scientific advisors and investors as appropriate. /li /ul /ph4Qualifications /h4pstrongEducation Experience /strongbrulliPhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or a related scientific discipline. /liliTypically 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery. /liliDemonstrated track record of advancing small molecule programs through lead optimization and candidate nomination. /liliExtensive expertise in medicinal chemistry, SAR strategy and contemporary drug discovery approaches. /liliStrong understanding of ADME, pharmacokinetics, developability and translational considerations. /liliExperience working on structurally enabled drug discovery programs is highly desirable. /liliTrack record of scientific leadership within multidisciplinary project teams. /liliExperience managing external CRO networks and scientific collaborations. /liliStrong appreciation of intellectual property strategy and patent generation. /li /ulstrongPersonal Profile /strongbrulliOutstanding medicinal chemist with a passion for innovative drug discovery. /liliEntrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a dynamic biotech environment. /liliStrategic thinker capable of balancing scientific rigor with rapid execution. /liliStrong collaborator who works effectively across Biology, DMPK, Computational Chemistry and executive leadership. /liliExcellent communicator with the ability to influence scientific direction and project strategy. /liliHands-on leader who remains actively engaged in molecular design and data interpretation. /liliProven ability to drive programs against novel biological targets where creativity and scientific insight are required. /liliPassionate about mentoring scientists and building high-performing teams. /liliAccountable, decisive and focused on delivering differentiated development candidates. /li /ul /ph4What we currently offer /h4pullistrongPeople /strong: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people. /lilistrongCreativity /strong: We offer an innovative and creative environment. /lilistrongDevelopment /strong: We support the individual development of our employees. /lilistrongFun /strong: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events. /lilistrongOffices /strong: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel. /lilistrongCommuter Benefits /strong: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution. /lilistrongFlexible Working /strong: We support flexible working as appropriate. /lilistrongChristmas Closure /strong: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year. /lilistrongBirthday Retreat /strong: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off. /lilistrongFood /strong: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge. /li /ulbremPlease note that these benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion and do not constitute a contractual entitlement. /em /p