Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

About TandemAI

TandemAI is an integrated drug discovery CRO building a next-generation artificial intelligence platform to accelerate scientific discovery and drug development. Our mission is to transform how therapeutics are discovered by integrating advanced machine learning approaches with physics-based simulations.

Role Overview

TandemAI is seeking a Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry to join our drug discovery team, either hybrid in our NYC office or remotely. This role will focus on leading small molecule discovery programs while helping to integrate and optimize project workflows across the organization.

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in medicinal chemistry, a demonstrated ability to contribute to or lead drug discovery efforts, and first-hand experience applying advanced computational tools in drug discovery. This individual will play a key role in advancing client programs while partnering closely with computational scientists to implement and scale new technologies within the discovery process.

You will serve as an early user and internal champion of emerging computational platforms and visualization tools, helping shape how these technologies are applied to real-world drug discovery challenges.

This position is well suited for scientists who are passionate about combining experimental and computational approaches to accelerate small molecule drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead small molecule drug discovery programs from early discovery through candidate nomination
• Design and execute medicinal chemistry strategies to optimize potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties
• Integrate and streamline workflows across cross-functional project teams
• Collaborate closely with computational scientists to incorporate emerging technologies into discovery efforts
• Communicate program progress to clients and key stakeholders
• Co-develop project proposals in response to client RFPs, including literature analysis, target assessment, and screening strategy design
• Serve as a primary user and advocate for computational platforms and visualization tools
• Apply structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis to guide compound optimization
• Interpret chemical and biological data to inform program direction and decision-making
• Contribute to project strategy, planning, and execution across multidisciplinary teams
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional discovery teams
• Present findings through internal meetings and scientific discussions

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field
• 2–5 years of industry experience in small molecule drug discovery
• Strong background in medicinal chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to non-specialists
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to or lead research projects in a collaborative environment
• First-hand experience applying computational tools in drug discovery
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams across chemistry, biology, and computational science
• Comfort working across time zones, with occasional evening and morning availability to connect with international teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating computational approaches into medicinal chemistry workflows
• Familiarity with drug discovery platforms, data visualization tools, or informatics systems
• Track record of advancing programs or contributing to candidate nomination
• Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments
• Experience managing CROs and interest in working in a client-facing environment

The salary range for this role is $110k-$158k