(Senior) Scientist / Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry /CADD, Cheminformatics

Ridgeline Discovery is looking for a (Senior) Scientist / Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry /CADD, Cheminformatics as applied to Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD).

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.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience in CADD, Small Molecule Docking and Protein-Protein Interaction Modeling. She/he will be a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player with strong organizational skills, eager to deliver computational solutions to molecular glue degraders (MGDs) and PROTACs design in the TPD field. This Basel based position offers a tremendous opportunity to support our portfolio company in a highly experienced, vibrant, and agile biotech environment.

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 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 E3 ligase/degrader complexes to predict the recruitment of neosubstrates (e.g. MaSIF-Neosurf).
• Collaborate 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.
• Push your knowledge, stimulate your imagination to creativity to help identify and develop the next generation MGDs across indications of unmet medical need.

QUALIFICATIONS

• You have a PhD in computational chemistry with >5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry working on small molecules. Previous experience in the Targeted Protein Degradation is very beneficial.
• Non-PhD level with outstanding relevant experience will also be considered.
• You have a track record of successfully delivering modeling solutions to drug discovery projects at all stages of development.
• Proficiency in machine learning and AI-driven drug discovery is a must have.
• You are a highly skilled scientist in the art of CADD/chemoinformatics with proficiency in all the related tools, packages and methods incl. Schrodinger/MOE, RDKit and OEChem.,PPI predictions (MaSIF, MaSIF neosurf.) etc.
• 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 and cover letter.

 Deadline for applying: 18^th February 2025.