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Job-ID 02/2026


At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), we investigate the pathobiology of microorganisms and develop new natural product-based active compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases.


Medicinal Chemist (m/f/div) - Drug Discovery Antiinfectives

The position is initially limited to two years.
You will play a key role in the further development of our antiinfectives pipeline and contribute to the discovery and development of new small molecule therapeutics and biologics. In a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, you will have the opportunity to actively advance medicinal chemistry strategies from hit identification to clinical candidate selection.


What you can expect:



Your work will focus on target-based research into new antiinfective agents (antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral substances). This includes the development, synthesis and optimization of biologically active small molecules with an antimicrobial spectrum of activity. Experience in the development of biologics is also welcome.
You will play a key role in a cross-functional project team that ensures the successful delivery of hits and lead compounds for preclinical and clinical studies.
In constant communication with medicinal chemists, you will analyse complex data sets to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) and structure-property relationships (SPR) for small molecules and apply data-driven insights to improve molecular properties.
You will explore new chemical modalities to improve therapeutic potential.
You will efficiently organize a medicinal chemistry laboratory, manage scientific staff and supervise daily operations.
You are responsible for maintaining high scientific standards and are willing to continuously expand your expertise in the fields of medicinal chemistry and antiinfectives.
You communicate with service providers in the industry and organize contract measurements and method transfers.

Above-average degree and doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural product chemistry, or a related field with a focus on biophysical medicinal chemistry (e.g., pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry, etc.)
At least two years of experience in managing projects in the field of medicinal chemistry and experience with target- and ligand-based approaches in drug discovery
Good knowledge of modern synthetic methods, purification of compounds, and structural characterization
A solid understanding of drug discovery and development, including biology, ADME, and drug safety considerations
Excellent knowledge and experience in performing biophysical assays for characterizing drug-target interactions using SPR and fluorescence-based technologies, as well as NMR and X-ray
Good understanding of the chemistry of small molecules
Knowledge in the field of fragment-based drug discovery is an advantage
Creativity and strategic thinking to drive innovation in medicinal chemistry and promote interdisciplinary collaboration
Goal-oriented communication style, strong initiative, determination and ability to work in a team
Very good command of written and spoken English


The following experience is an advantage:



Experience with functional tests in cell-free and whole-cell systems, antibacterial and antifungal tests, including tests to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (according to EUCAST)
Experience with the development of enzymatic assays
The Transfer Group Antiinfectives investigates promising target structures of infection-relevant pathogens with regard to the development of new natural product-based or synthetic active substances. The Leibniz-HKI is located in the ‘science city’ of Jena on the Beutenberg Campus and is part of the ‘Balance of the Microverse’ cluster of excellence.


As Thuringia’s economic center, Jena offers an attractive environment in the ‘green heart’ of Germany with extensive lei...