iambic-therapeutics

Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

San Diego HQ
Full-time
$152K - $190K
Posted Oct 5, 2026

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Skills

Communication
Leadership
Problem Solving
Time Management

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

We seek an experienced and creative medicinal chemist with a proven track record of success in drug discovery. Candidates should be motivated to work in an intensely collaborative, multidisciplinary, team-based setting. The ideal candidate will be passionate about solving medicinal chemistry challenges, as well as proactively interfacing with diverse teams working on automated experimentation, AI-driven molecular generation, property predictions, and bioassay data generation.

This position is on-site at our San Diego Headquarters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•Devise strategies to identify lead molecules and optimize them for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties using multivariant SAR analysis and hypothesis driven design principles.

•Execute on high quality ideas by employing a broad range of modern organic chemistry transformations, synthetic methods, creative use of parallel experimentations and implementing innovative techniques.

•Work closely with molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, computational chemistry, ADME, and other key functions

•Influence the prospective use of computational methods and leverage automated synthesis and high-throughput experimentation capabilities

•Work closely with AI/ML teams to develop and implement relevant predictive models to aid in the design of new molecules

•Communicate project updates clearly and effectively to the broader team and key stakeholders

•Work as a member of the Chemistry research group and foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and teamwork

QUALIFICATIONS

•BS, MS, or PhD in chemistry with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry

•Experience in small molecule drug discovery in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting and a B.S. with 15+ years’ experience, M.S. with 12+ years’ experience or Ph.D. with 8+ years’ experience.

•Proven track record of success in advancing programs from leads to advanced candidates.

•Extensive experience in lead compound optimization for potency, selectivity, ADME and PK.

•Expert in modern synthetic organic chemistry approaches and principles demonstrated through publications in journals and patents

•Ability to integrate multiple R&D disciplines into a successful strategic project plan

•Experience working with computational chemists as part of project team in design of drug targets is required

•Strong interpersonal, communication, time management, and leadership skills

•Creative problem solving and management of relationships with several stakeholders within and beyond the company

ABOUT IAMBIC THERAPEUTICS

Iambic Therapeutics (Nasdaq: IAM) is a technology and clinical-stage life sciences company headquartered in San Diego. By utilizing molecular superintelligence — integrating proprietary AI with automated, scalable chemistry and biology experimentation — our platform is designed to address the totality of drug discovery and development. At Iambic, we are building an engine that is designed to power the future of medicine. Learn more at iambic.ai http://iambic.ai.

MISSION & VALUES

Our mission is to make better technology for better medicines. Three values guide how we work:

•Bold. We are courageous, take thoughtful risks, and approach challenges with tenacity.

•Innovative. We are creative and find new solutions that deliver impact.

•Collaborative. We respect one another and partner with integrity.

We value the range of perspectives our people bring, and we work to build an environment where every team member can contribute and grow.

PAY AND BENEFITS

The pay range for this role is listed above. Actual pay depends on factors including experience, skills, and location. Eligible employees in the U.S. receive company-paid medical coverage, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, 401(k) matching and flexible time off. We are in a brand-new state-of-the art facility in beautiful San Diego with a community gym, dining, and easy access to great places to live and play.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Iambic is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.