Research Scientist 1/Research Scientist 2, Chemistry

Research Scientist 1/Research Scientist 2, Chemistry

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Who We Are:
Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.

What We Do:
We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy and depression. Our flagship azetukalner program represents the most advanced potassium channel modulator in clinical development for multiple indications. Building upon the positive results and compelling data from our Phase 2b “X-TOLE” study in adult patients with focal epilepsy, our Phase 3 epilepsy program includes multiple clinical trials evaluating azetukalner in patients with focal onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In 2024, we are planning to initiate a Phase 3 azetukalner program in major depressive disorder, based on topline data from our Phase 2 “X-NOVA” clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of the leading-edge science coming out of our discovery labs, including early-stage research programs that leverage our extensive ion channel expertise and drug discovery capabilities to identify validated drug targets and develop new product candidates.

About the Role:
We are seeking a Research Scientist 1/ Research Scientist 2, Chemistry to join our Chemistry team. This individual will contribute to Xenon’s drug discovery programs by applying synthetic and medicinal chemistry skills. This individual possesses the ability to design and implement basic medicinal chemistry targets and can independently execute the synthesis, purification, and characterization of these targets. The Research Scientist 1/ Research Scientist 2, Chemistry has experience working in a team environment by engaging with cross-functional scientists and the ability to present results at both internal and external meetings in a clear and precise manner. This position reports to the Senior Research Scientist, Chemistry and will be in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively design drug candidates that advance SAR based on analysis of biological, DMPK, and physicochemical properties data.
• Execute the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules and scale-ups efficiently.
• Develop and implement the design of synthetic routes to target compounds.
• Purify and characterize compounds synthesized in preparation for their submission for biological evaluation.
• Analyze data, interpret results and recommend appropriate action.
• Utilize essential tools of computational chemistry for hypothesis-driven medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrate leadership in keeping abreast of scientific developments, patents, and medicinal chemistry literature.
• Prepare technical reports, SOPs, patent procedures, summaries, and quantitative analyses.
• Prepare presentation materials and clearly communicate research results at internal and external meetings.
• Work closely with project team and chemistry leads to generate and implement design, strategy, and execution of medchem strategies as well as coordination with intellectual property and other functions when necessary.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook according to corporate standards and SOPs and ensure the same for direct reports.
• Keep the laboratory environment safe and well-organized.
• Keep up to date and detailed records of experiments and data analysis within an Electronic Lab Notebook system. Ensure experiments are counter-signed on a monthly basis.
• Ensure the laboratory environment is safe and well-organized; follow and keep up to date with Health & Safety policies.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSc degree with 4+ years of experience or PhD degree with 2+ years of experience in chemistry.
• Ability to independently design, synthesize, and purify small molecules.
• Ability to draw on literature and utilize computational chemistry tools to generate hypothesis-driven medicinal chemistry targets.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Track record of working in a cross-functional environment in a flexible manner.
• Excellent record keeping, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task.

The base salary range for this role is $76,139 to $101,354 CAD; we will consider above this range for exceptional candidates. Base salary is determined by a combination of factors including, but not limited to, education and other qualifications, years of relevant experience, and internal equity.

Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short- & long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.

Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

To apply for this position, click Apply Now to complete the application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the volume of applicants, only those chosen for interview will be contacted.