Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Iambic Therapeutics
San Diego, CA · $152k–$190k a year · Posted October 5, 2026
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Where San Diego, CA ranks
Where San Diego, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Cities hosting the most business conferences in the West Coast78 conferences · of 17
- #2Cities hosting the most human resources conferences6 conferences · of 10
- #3Best cities for life sciences and biotech jobs454 openings · of 41
- #3Best cities for aerospace and defense jobs377 openings · of 67
- #3Cities hosting the most legal services conferences7 conferences · of 17
- #3Cities hosting the most staffing & human capital conferences6 conferences · of 8
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among chemists, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for chemists: 26% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
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.