Research Scientist 1/Research Scientist 2, Chemistry

We are seeking a Research Scientist 1/ Research Scientist 2, Chemistry to join our Chemistry team for a 12 month fixed-term contract position. 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. This individual is also able to independently execute the synthesis, purification and characterization of the medicinal chemistry targets. This individual will also be able to take advantage of novel synthetic technologies for 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 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.