Principal Scientist or Associate Director Medicinal Chemistry - Gosselies (BELGIUM)

Principal Scientist or Associate Director Medicinal Chemistry - Gosselies (BELGIUM)

iTeos Therapeutics is a publicly-traded (NASDAQ : ITOS), clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to extending and improving the lives of patients with cancer by designing and developing next generation immunotherapies.

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Based in Gosselies, Belgium and Watertown, MA, iTeos Therapeutics was founded out of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) and the de Duve Institute (UClouvain) in 2011.

Our values - Data Driven, Ownership, Courage, and Stronger Together - form the foundation of who we are as a company and define who we are at our core.

ROLE : Principal Scientist or Associate Director Medicinal Chemistry

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist or Associate Director in Medicinal Chemistry to join our dynamic team.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a strong background in medicinal chemistry, capable of driving innovative solutions in drug discovery.

This role requires an individual who can digest information quickly, think on their feet, and excel in a fast-paced environment.

You will be responsible for medicinal chemistry strategy for novel targets and existing more mature projects. You will also play an active role in managing the medicinal chemistry lab.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership :
• Become part of the medicinal chemistry leadership, ensuring a safe and efficient operation in the chemistry lab.
• Drug Discovery & Project Management :
• Drive medicinal chemistry efforts in drug discovery projects, from hit identification through lead optimization to candidate selection.
• Apply creative and innovative approaches to tackle challenging drug targets, leveraging the latest advancements in screening technologies and new modalities.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and ADME, to integrate medicinal chemistry strategies into broader project plans.
• Plan key assays and review incoming data to ensure quality decision making.
• Technical Expertise :
• Design and synthesize novel chemical entities, using state-of-the-art techniques to optimize their potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
• Plan efficient and scalable synthetic routes using synthetic chemistry expertise and tools like SciFinder.
• Provide expert guidance on structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, lead optimization strategies, and chemical synthesis routes.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation :
• Quickly analyze and interpret complex data from various sources, including high-throughput screening, biochemical assays, and in vivo studies.
• Make data-driven decisions to prioritize compounds and guide the direction of research projects.
• Innovation & Problem Solving :
• Challenge existing workflows to ensure that the assay cascade is focused on delivering improved compounds.
• Propose and implement new research directions and methodologies to keep the company at the cutting edge of medicinal chemistry.
• Build expertise in and stay current with iTeos’ therapeutic areas of interest (immune-oncology / oncology).
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance research projects.
• Coordinate synthetic efforts with CROs.
• Effectively communicate scientific findings and project updates to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Education :
• Ph.D., or equivalent by experience, in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience :
• At least 7-10 years of experience in medicinal chemistry, with a strong track record of success in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a medicinal chemistry lab and leading a team of scientists is a plus.
• Knowledge of state-of-the art synthetic organic chemistry and outstanding synthetic troubleshooting skills.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, quickly digest information, and make sound decisions.
• Experience with advanced screening techniques and new modalities (e.g., PROTACs, molecular glues, AI in med chem, covalent modifiers) is a strong plus.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Proficiency in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to stay up-to-date with the latest scientific developments and apply them to real-world challenges.

OFFER

• A stimulating position within a high-potential innovative biotech company.
• The opportunity to work in a science-driven, dynamic, respectful, and professional environment.
• A challenging scientific and business growth where you can bring your knowledge and skills.
• An employment agreement contract with an attractive salary package in line with the position responsibilities and your experience.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please send your CV together with an adapted cover letter to the following address : [email protected]. Please mention the reference MedChem in the mail object.

Your application and related information will remain strictly confidential.

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