Ridgeline Discovery is looking for a Director, Medical Chemistry.
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 seeking an experienced and visionary Director in Medicinal Chemistry to lead high-impact small molecule drug discovery projects. This role provides an exciting opportunity to shape medicinal chemistry strategy across novel therapeutic programs within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, along with proven expertise in managing high-priority projects and external partnerships.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Scientific Leadership & Strategy:
- Collaborate with senior leadership to define and execute medicinal chemistry strategy across multiple early discovery and lead optimization programs.
- Oversee medicinal chemistry efforts within Ridgeline's portfolio companies, advancing multiple projects from early discovery through clinical candidate nomination.
- Apply advanced, multi-parameter optimization approaches to drive SAR, ADME, and efficacy in target molecules.
- Define project goals, set key scientific milestones, and ensure that programs remain on track through critical decision-making.
Project Management & Collaboration:
- Direct and manage CRO relationships, ensuring the quality and efficiency of outsourced chemistry activities.
- Lead cross-functional project teams, contributing medicinal chemistry expertise and providing guidance to biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology functions.
- Contribute to strategic discussions within a multidisciplinary matrix team environment, promoting data-driven development and innovation.
Research & Development Innovation:
- Maintain a high level of technical skill and scientific knowledge, staying abreast of new methodologies and advancements in medicinal chemistry.
- Engage in scientific problem-solving to address challenges in lead discovery and optimization, utilizing insights from structural biology and computational chemistry.
- Represent Ridgeline Discovery in interactions with stakeholders, external collaborators, and within the scientific community.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field with 10+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, preferably within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, with a proven track record of advancing drug discovery programs from target ID to clinical candidate stage.
- Strong publication and/or patent record in the field of drug design, reflecting significant contributions to medicinal chemistry and hit-to-lead optimization.
- Experience in leading external partnerships with CROs and managing multidisciplinary project teams.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges with excellent communication skills in English, enabling productive collaboration in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
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).