Director, Discovery Chemistry
The Director of Discovery Chemistry at Lila Sciences will lead the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecules within the company's discovery platform. This role focuses on organic synthesis, molecular design, and scalable chemistry execution, aiming to translate AI-generated molecular hypotheses into high-quality, synthetically tractable, and functionally validated chemical entities. The position is integral to building and scaling a world-class molecular chemistry program that accelerates the discovery of high-value molecules for therapeutic and broader platform applications.
Key responsibilities include driving discovery chemistry strategies across various programs, emphasizing small molecule design, synthetic innovation, analog generation, and optimization of chemical matter. The Director will lead the design and execution of synthetic routes for novel small molecules, ensuring speed, robustness, scalability, and compatibility with automated synthesis platforms. Additionally, the role involves developing efficient workflows for molecular design, compound prioritization, and iterative design–make–test cycles in collaboration with AI and computational teams. Partnering closely with automation and platform teams, the Director will establish robotic and high-throughput chemistry capabilities to expand accessible chemical space and accelerate molecule generation.
Candidates must possess a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline, along with 12–15 years of experience in small molecule discovery and molecular design. Demonstrated experience in building and leading high-performing chemistry teams is essential, as is a proven track record in advancing small molecule programs through molecular design, high-throughput synthesis, optimization, and candidate progression. Deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including retrosynthesis, route design, and practical execution of complex multistep syntheses, is required. Strong experience in optimizing molecular properties such as potency, selectivity, physicochemical behavior, and overall developability of small molecule series is also necessary.
Lila Sciences offers competitive compensation, including bonus potential and generous early equity. The expected base salary range for this position is $184,000 to $246,000 USD. The final offer will reflect the candidate's unique background, expertise, and impact.
Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. The company is pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. By introducing scientific superintelligence, Lila Sciences aims to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to develop solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at an unprecedented pace and scale.