Alembic Pharmaceuticals is seeking Medicinal Chemistry Lead to spearhead our small-molecule and peptide drug discovery programs. This is a high-impact leadership role with end-to-end responsibility—from target ideation to clinical candidate nomination—shaping Alembic’s next- generation therapeutic pipeline.
Post : Medicinal Chemistry Lead – Drug Discovery
The ideal candidate is a seasoned drug discovery scientist with a proven track record of advancing compounds through discovery and into IND-enabling studies. You will combine deep expertise in medicinal and synthetic chemistry with hands-on scientific leadership, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. Experience with advanced analytical techniques, computational chemistry, or AI-enabled drug design is highly desirable.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead discovery programs in India while actively bridging into the U.S. biotech ecosystem, collaborating with global scientific partners to deliver transformational medicines.
Key Responsibilities :
• Define and lead medicinal chemistry strategies for the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel drug candidates, meeting project goals for potency, selectivity, ADME, and safety
• Design and execute robust SAR (Structure–Activity Relationship) strategies to enhance drug-like properties
• Drive hit-to-lead and lead optimization efforts across multiple discovery programs
• Integrate AI-driven drug design, computational chemistry, and modeling tools into medicinal chemistry workflows
• Collaborate closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, analytical, and computational teams to interpret data and advance candidates efficiently
• Analyze experimental data, generate hypotheses, and make rigorous, data-driven decisions to guide project direction
• Maintain a strong hands-on presence in chemistry while leading by example and solving complex design challenges
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of medicinal, organic, and analytical chemists
• Manage and oversee external collaborations with CROs and academic partners
• Critically evaluate project risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints; drive Go/No-Go decisions
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, agility, collaboration, and innovation
• Ensure high-quality documentation, electronic lab notebooks, and meaningful contributions to patents and publications
Qualifications & Experience :
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline
• 7–12+ years of industry experience in drug discovery
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing small molecules and/or peptides into the clinic
• Deep expertise in medicinal and synthetic chemistry; experience with natural products, macrocycles, allosteric modulators, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) targets is highly preferred
• Strong ability to apply medicinal chemistry principles to solve complex SAR challenges
• Exposure to AI-based drug discovery, computational chemistry, fragment-based or
structure-based design is a strong plus
• Solid understanding of DMPK, pharmacology, and early safety assessment
• Experience with patent strategy and regulatory considerations for small molecule/peptide therapeutics
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and external partnerships
• Excellent scientific communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
Additional Information
Location : Vadodara, India | Full-time | On-site
Reporting to : Head - Drug Discovery
Qualification : PhD
Last Date : 20th June 2026
Apply / Refer : drugdiscoverycareer@alembic.co.in
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