Ridgeline Discovery is looking for a (Senior) Scientist / Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry /CADD, Cheminformatics and AI/ML platforms as applied to Drug Discovery.
Ridgeline Discovery, 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.
We are looking for a highly motivated (Senior) Scientist / Principal Scientist responsible for Computational Chemistry /CADD, Cheminformatics and AI/ML platforms as applied to Drug Discovery to support one of Ridgeline Discovery’s portfolio companies.
The successful candidate will have experience in CADD/Small Molecule Modeling. She/he will be a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player with strong organizational skills, eager to deliver computational solutions to Small Molecule Drug Discovery in early development projects. This Basel based position offers a tremendous opportunity to support our portfolio companies in an experienced, vibrant, and agile biotech team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help elaborate our CADD and chemoinformatic strategies, establishing pipelines of Molecular Docking, Generative Designs, predictive and adaptive ADMET in-silico models and approaches to support the design of a new generation of Molecular Glue Degraders (MGDs).
- Provide computational solutions for project needs and guide ligand-based design, scaffold hopping, conformational analysis, library design, multi-property optimization scoring functions, SAR analysis and data visualization.
- Drive the modeling of ligase/small molecule complexes to predict the recruitment of neosubstrates (e.g. MaSIF-Neosurf).
- Collaborate closely with Biology, DMPK and Medicinal Chemistry project leads to accelerate the discovery and development of glue degraders and/or PROTACs binding to new E3 ligases and targeting undruggable proteins.
- Leverage expertise to advance chemical series across multiple disease projects and stages (incl. lead ID, LO and DC nomination).
- Effectively present data to a wide range of audiences at local, external, and global meetings.
- Serve as a representative of the company by positive and productive interactions with external partners (such as CROs) and collaborators.
- Keep abreast of the latest developments and engage with global research, industry, and standards development communities to identify and implement new AI/ML technologies and best practices.
- Drives the training of colleagues to ensure “CADD literacy” at all levels.
QUALIFICATIONS
- You have a PhD in computational chemistry with 3-5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry working on small molecules.
- You have a track record of successfully delivering modeling solutions to drug discovery projects at all stages of development.
- You are highly skilled in using Schrodinger/MOE and chemoinformatic packages such as RDKit and OEChem. Experience in PPI predictions, Targeted Protein Degradation is a plus.
- You set and meet ambitious timelines related to the above activities, independently manage workload projections and internal resourcing in line with budget forecast.
WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER
- People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
- Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
- Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
- Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
- Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
- Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
- Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
- Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
- Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.
- Coffee: Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee.
To apply, please submit your completed application form along with your CV, cover letter, and reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse).