Research Scientist- Cheminformatics

ABOUT US

Cali
-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Cali
-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, Cali
-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Cali
-Skaggs  drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST - Cheminformatics

The Computational Chemistry team is seeking a Cheminformatician who will be responsible for developing and applying advanced computational methods across the drug discovery pipeline. This role involves a significant focus on machine learning techniques to analyze and interpret complex chemical data.

• Data Analysis and Modeling
  :
  Build, test, and optimize machine learning models for the analysis of large chemical datasets. Develop QSAR/ML models for predicting bioactivity, pharmacokinetic, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiles; large-language models (LLMs) for querying drug information across mechanism of action, target, disease indication, patent information, and screening data; and generative AI models for drug design and lead optimization.
• Algorithm Development
  :
  Design and develop algorithms and tools for chemical structure representation, searching, and clustering for SAR analysis and identification of novel chemical space for drug and library design as part of the medicinal chemistry team.
• Collaboration
  :
  Work closely with interdisciplinary teams including medicinal chemists, biologists, and computational scientists to readily apply and integrate cheminformatics tools into drug discovery programs.
• Data Management
  :
  Manage chemical databases, ensuring data integrity, quality, and accessibility. Develop tools for data mining and visualization.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field
• Minimum of 1 year of research experience
• Background in machine learning, data science, and statistical analysis
• Strong proficiency in Python (additional SQL and/or JavaScript experience preferred) and its data analysis libraries (e.g. Pandas, Num Py, scikit-learn)
• Experience with cheminformatics toolkits and software (e.g. RDKit, Schrodinger Maestro, PyMOL) preferred
• Organic chemistry and/or biochemistry coursework experience preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

May include:
Stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; exposure to cold or hot temperatures. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

La Jolla, California

The expected hiring range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 per year,…