Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Job Description

Who We Are

ODDITY is a consumer tech platform transforming the global beauty and wellness market. We deploy advanced technology, including molecular discovery, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to develop exceptional products and deliver consumers a superior experience. Our digital-first brands, IL MAKIAGE and SpoiledChild, are rapidly disrupting the offline-dominated beauty and wellness industries around the world. Brands 3 and 4 will launch next year, replicating the playbook of our existing brands in adjacent spaces to take a step change in our growth and impact.

ODDITY Labs is our cutting-edge biotechnology R&D center, powering product innovation through the discovery of new molecules that will power game changing products through ODDITY’s current and future brands. Our exceptional team is passionate about using biology, chemistry, and technology to disrupt consumers’ product expectations and shopping journeys, shifting millions of consumers from offline to online along the way. Our culture is fast-paced, innovative, agile, and offers every team member the opportunity to drive a big impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Director of Medicinal Chemistry to lead small molecule discovery and optimization efforts for beauty, skincare, and wellness applications. Reporting directly to the Head of Oddity Labs, this role requires deep expertise in medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and drug discovery with a hands-on approach to compound design, in vitro screening, and formulation support.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a results-driven mindset, and a proven ability to drive high delivery and top execution. This role requires managing and optimizing workflows at CRO sites, ensuring maximum efficiency of FTE resources, and delivering projects on time and within scope. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing CRO performance, maintaining seamless coordination with cross-functional teams, and ensuring strict alignment with project goals to accelerate innovation and pipeline progression

What You Will Do

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

* Lead and drive medicinal chemistry and synthetic chemistry efforts for small molecule discovery in beauty, skincare, and wellness.
* Lead hit-to-lead optimization using structure-activity relationships (SAR), in vitro assays, and computational modeling.
* Independently and collaboratively work with computational chemists to integrate molecular docking, QSAR, and machine learning-based predictive modeling into the compound design process.
* Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to junior scientists, fostering an innovative and collaborative research environment.
* Manage multiple CRO collaborations and external partnerships, ensuring high-quality execution of synthesis and analytical projects.
* Evaluate freedom-to-operate (FTO) and contribute to intellectual property (IP) strategy for novel compounds.

Research & Development Responsibilities

* Design, synthesize, and optimize bioactive small molecules with desirable ADME, PK, and safety profiles for topical and ingestible formulations.
* Apply structure-based drug design (SBDD), in vitro assays, and computational modeling to optimize molecular properties and bioactivity.
* Oversee and coordinate hit-to-lead optimization, SAR analyses, and high-throughput screening (HTS) integration.
* Troubleshoot synthetic challenges, analyze experimental data, and present findings in internal and external meetings.
* Collaborate with formulation scientists and biologists to evaluate compound efficacy, stability, and formulation compatibility.
* Support CMC and assist with regulatory documentation as needed.

Who You Are

* Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field with 8+ years of industry experience in small molecule drug discovery, synthetic chemistry, or bioactive compound development.
* Strong expertise in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and chemical biology with a proven track record in lead optimization and SAR development.
* Hands-on experience with in vitro screening, high-throughput screening (HTS), and computational chemistry tools (e.g., molecular docking, QSAR, SBDD).
* Experience managing CMC, CRO partnerships, and regulatory documentation.
* Proficiency in modern analytical and purification techniques (e.g., NMR, HPLC, MS) for compound characterization, purity assessment, and stability testing. Ability to interpret analytical data and troubleshoot synthesis or formulation challenges.
* Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in compound synthesis, optimization, and formulation compatibility.
* Experience with patent filings, IP strategy, and regulatory submissions (IND/NDA) is a plus.

What We Offer

* Competitive compensation and benefits package.
* This position will consider and sponsor candidates on a visa (OPT, STEM OPT, H1B, TN).
* This position is in-office in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office and laboratory.
* The salary for this position is negotiable and commensurate with experience.

Note: We’re currently hiring for many roles! Not the right fit, but interested in another position? Contact us olabs.jobs@oddity.com