Medicinal Chemist

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) brings life-saving research to the real world by helping life science innovators bridge the gap between academic research and commercial product development. We are driven, compassionate, and laser focused on making a dramatic positive impact with everything we undertake. 

When you join API, you are part of a rapidly growing team that is creating collaborative opportunities to commercialize Canadian life sciences discoveries, increasing the amount of commercial research and development in the country, and supporting Alberta as a key pillar in Canada’s life sciences sector. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Medicinal Chemist to join our Drug Discovery/ Development team. The successful candidate will have an excellent opportunity to the discovery and advancement of groundbreaking therapies.

**** Please note this position requires full-time on-site presence.**

Key Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

Qualifications – (Education, Certification, Degree, Skills, Knowledge, etc.)

• Design of small molecule therapeutics through multi-step organic synthesis and contribution to strategic planning and execution of drug discovery/development programs to meet project goals and timelines.
• Interpretation of structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis data to further design and optimize novel organic compounds with therapeutic potential.
• Analysis and characterization of synthesized compounds using various analytical techniques such as IR, HPLC, LCMS/MS, NMR.
• Work closely with molecular biologists, computational chemists, biochemists, and pharmacologists.
• Explore “scale up” production of useful compounds that are discovered.
• Contribute to patent filings and assessment of competitor IP landscape as required.
• Maintain a high level of modern medicinal chemistry/drug discovery knowledge, skills, and best practices.

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of industry or academic experience in the relevant field.
• Experience in small molecule development is required.
• Experience in peptide chemistry is an asset.

Personal Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate across various levels.
• Strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills.

• Required travel between Edmonton API sites.
• This position requires you to be on site.
• This successful candidate will be assigned to work out of the **Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute (AVI) (**Address: 6-010 Katz Group Centre for Health Research).

• Applications submitted without a resume AND cover letter will not be reviewed.

Perks and Benefits at API

Comprehensive Health Coverage: At API, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We offer a comprehensive health coverage plan. Our premiums are 100% covered, ensuring that you and your dependents receive the necessary healthcare support.

**Payment in Lieu of Pension:**API provides an additional 15% of your annual base salary, as an alternative to traditional pension benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities: We foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. API provides access to various professional development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications. We encourage employees to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the life sciences industry.

Collaborative and Inclusive Environment: At API, we believe in the power of collaboration and diversity. We foster an inclusive work environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We promote teamwork, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are valued.

Generous Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of taking time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. API offers a generous paid time off (PTO) policy that includes vacation days, medical/personal days, and holidays. We encourage our employees to prioritize their well-being and enjoy quality time away from work.

**Green Transit Allowance:**Employees based out of an office are eligible to enroll in our green transit program, which promotes the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By participating in the program, you commit to making green transit your primary mode of transportation for at least 75% of your commute to and from work. Green transit includes walking, biking, carpooling, and public transportation.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest in the position and why they believe they are a strong candidate. We appreciate the interest of all applicants but will only contact those selected for interviews.

If you have any questions about the application process or require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact careers@appliedpharma.ca**.

Our team, clients, and stakeholders come from a variety of backgrounds. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that all people bring to the workplace in terms of varied lived experiences, education, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, neurodiversity, and cognitive and physical ability.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to meet the requirements of a pre-employment screening, which includes background reference checks, educational credential verification, and criminal reference checks.

Application Deadline: February 13, 2025