Akebia Therapeutics has an exciting opportunity for an experienced medicinal chemist in our research facility in Kendall Square. You will be responsible for applying state-of-the-art medicinal and synthetic chemistry expertise to advance small-molecule drug discovery programs toward the clinic and provide support for existing programs in pre-clinical development.  The successful candidate will be a key part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team that includes DMPK, biology, pharmacology, structure-based drug design, and toxicology.  She/he will be responsible for conducting internal chemistry research while potentially also directing external, contract research organization (CRO)-driven activities.

Required Skills

• Possess strong synthetic organic chemistry expertise and apply the latest scientific methodologies to solve challenging medicinal chemistry problems.
• Design and synthesize molecules with druglike properties, using knowledge of SAR, ADME, PK, and in-silico and in-vitro predictors for multiparameter optimization.
• Use modelling software to facilitate structure-based drug design (SBDD) efforts.
• Perform rapid and critical hit-to-lead evaluation of chemical matter identified through HTS, DEL, and fragment screens.
• Support the advancement of lead compounds through in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation to identify clinical development candidates.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage research activities conducted at CROs.
• Engage collaboratively with Akebia research staff, scientific advisors, consultants, and the larger scientific community.
• Establish clear project goals and define scientific strategies to achieve these goals and generate testable hypotheses to facilitate decision making.
• Draft research papers for scientific journals and conferences and assist in preparing patent applications.

Required Experience

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD. or MS in chemistry

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph D. or MS in Chemistry with 4+ years of industrial experience in medicinal chemistry with a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company
• Experience working on a diverse range of drug targets and structure-based drug design is desirable.
• Experience with fragment based lead discovery and covalent inhibitors desirable
• Demonstrated ability to solve challenging problems and produce innovative science, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Experience managing contract research organizations.
• Proven ability to think independently while simultaneously operating in a collaborative, matrixed environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to rapidly generate clear and concise reports, papers, and presentations.

All Akebia new hires will be required to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or, if not, that they are legally entitled to an accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and Akebia will consider, among other things whether a proposed accommodation would create an undue hardship.  

ARE YOU AN AKEBIAN?

An Akebian is curious, empathetic, and values making connections to people and ideas. Akebian’s aren’t afraid of diving in and owning a process or a problem, because we all want to deliver a great solution. Akebian’s believe that we are better together because we are all working toward a common purpose – to better the life of each person impacted by kidney disease. Want to learn more about what it means to be an Akebian? Visit our website: www.akebia.com.  

Akebia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all job applicants.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

#LI-AC1

• Possess strong synthetic organic chemistry expertise and apply the latest scientific methodologies to solve challenging medicinal chemistry problems.
• Design and synthesize molecules with druglike properties, using knowledge of SAR, ADME, PK, and in-silico and in-vitro predictors for multiparameter optimization.
• Use modelling software to facilitate structure-based drug design (SBDD) efforts.
• Perform rapid and critical hit-to-lead evaluation of chemical matter identified through HTS, DEL, and fragment screens.
• Support the advancement of lead compounds through in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation to identify clinical development candidates.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage research activities conducted at CROs.
• Engage collaboratively with Akebia research staff, scientific advisors, consultants, and the larger scientific community.
• Establish clear project goals and define scientific strategies to achieve these goals and generate testable hypotheses to facilitate decision making.
• Draft research papers for scientific journals and conferences and assist in preparing patent applications.