Director of Chemistry / Chemist Principal Scientist

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. 
We are looking for the ideal Medicinal 
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Chemistry to be a leader in our chemistry function, driving the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel compounds across our drug discovery pipeline. You will work cross-functionally with biology, pharmacology, and translational teams to progress small molecule programs from target validation to IND-enabling studies. You are a strategic thinker who excels in designing and synthesizing small molecules, navigating SAR studies, and translating complex data into actionable insights. This individual thrives in fast-paced, results-driven environments, is highly collaborative with cross-functional teams, and possesses a proactive approach to managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Lead and mentor the internal and external medicinal and synthetic chemistry teams across multiple programs
• Oversee hit-to-lead and lead optimization efforts using SAR, structure-based design, and ADME/PK data
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (biology, pharmacology, DMPK, CMC) to define project strategy and ensure timely progression
• Manage CRO relationships for synthesis, purification, and analytical support
• Contribute to compound IP strategy and coordinate with legal on patent filings
• Guide compound selection for preclinical development
• Ensure rigorous documentation, data analysis, and presentation of results to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and drive innovation in chemistry tools and workflows
• Take projects from HIT validation throughout hit-to-lead and lead optimization stages to preclinical development, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Experience in in-silico screening, high-throughput screening, and DEL

WHO YOU ARE:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field with 10+ years of industry experience
• Proven track record in advancing small molecules from discovery through preclinical stages
• Strong expertise in medicinal chemistry, SAR development, and lead optimization
• Experience managing high-performing chemistry teams and CROs
• Familiarity with CMC and regulatory requirements supporting IND-enabling studies
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills

 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