About us
Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.
Responsibilities
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated medicinal chemist to drive small-molecule drug discovery programs across Ridgeline Discovery's portfolio companies, from hit identification through lead optimization to development candidate nomination.You will take scientific ownership of medicinal chemistry strategies, lead compound design and optimization, and oversee external chemistry activities. Working closely with experts in Biology, DMPK, Computational Chemistry, and Data Science, you will integrate multidisciplinary data to advance innovative drug discovery programs.
The position will be offered at Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist level, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Independently develop and execute compound design strategies from hit identification through lead optimization and candidate nomination, balancing potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety, and intellectual property considerations.
- Direct and manage CRO chemistry teams, define and continuously refine synthetic priorities, troubleshoot chemistry challenges, and optimize workflows to ensure efficient, high-quality compound delivery.
- Collaborate closely with Biology, DMPK, Computational Chemistry, and Data Science to interpret complex datasets, guide compound optimization, and influence project decisions.
- Identify and implement innovative medicinal chemistry approaches, leverage modern design and synthesis technologies, and contribute to invention disclosures and patent filings.
- Contribute to project strategy, candidate selection decisions, and scientific due diligence across Versant/Ridgeline portfolio companies.
- Support scientific evaluation of new opportunities and enable company creation activities within the Versant/Ridgeline portfolio.
Qualifications
- PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a related discipline, with at least 3–5 years of relevant industrial drug discovery experience.
- Demonstrated track record in rational compound design and multiparameter optimization, with experience advancing small-molecule programs through lead optimization, ideally towards development candidate nomination.
- Proven ability to lead external chemistry teams and manage CRO activities effectively; familiarity with automated synthesis and modern chemistry technologies is an advantage.
- Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, ADME/DMPK optimization, and compound developability. Experience with structure-based drug design and Chemical Biology techniques is a plus.
- Ability to independently interpret complex multidisciplinary datasets, prioritize experiments, and translate scientific insights into actionable compound design strategies.
- Proactive, collaborative, and scientifically curious mindset, with strong problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for innovative drug discovery in a dynamic biotech environment.
What we currently offer
- People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
- Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
- Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
- Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
- Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
- Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
- Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
- Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
- Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.
Please note that these benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion and do not constitute a contractual entitlement.