Computational Chemist

We’re looking for a Computational Chemist

VANCOUVER, BC (OR REMOTE) / 2+ YRS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Variational AI is redefining the unit economics of drug discovery. We are pushing the
state-of-the-art in machine learning, integrated with chemistry and pharmacology
expertise, to radically accelerate the development of promising drug candidates. Our
team of machine learning researchers and chemists is changing the massive
pharmaceutical industry for the better. Over the past five years, we have been
advancing the state-of-the-art, and delivering projects to customers such as Merck &
Co.

We are looking for an experienced computational chemist to join the team and make
an impact. You will help us to develop and apply molecular docking, molecular
dynamics, and binding free energy calculation methods; and evaluate ML-optimized
molecules from a computational chemistry perspective. You will also help us more
effectively incorporate pharmacological knowledge and intuition into our proprietary
machine learning architecture. No knowledge of machine learning is required for this
role, but you should possess a strong interest in learning about this promising
technology, coupled with hands-on drug discovery experience.

Here is the background we’re looking for:

1. Ph.D. in biophysics, computational chemistry or a related discipline, with a computational and molecular simulation emphasis.
2. Two or more years’ experience working in small molecule drug discovery in the pharma/biotech industry.
3. Experience with molecular modeling techniques for small molecules (e.g. molecular docking, homology modeling, molecular dynamics/ABFE/RBFE, and structure- and ligand-based design).
4. Proficiency with modeling software packages, such as Schrodinger, GROMACS, Ambertools.
5. Evidence of creative application of computational approaches to solve problems of pharmaceutical interest.
6. Ability to communicate, collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
7. Familiarity with multiple drug target classes.
8. Programming in Python and experience with QSAR, cheminformatics libraries and data analysis tools, including RDKit, Matplotlib, pandas, and seaborn. SQL experience preferred.
9. Intellectual curiosity and drive to excel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically welcome applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and members of underrepresented communities and groups. Compensation is a competitive mix of salary and options. We prioritize expertise and passion over where you decide to live and work. Please send resumes/CVs to info@variational.ai.