Research Associate 2, Computational Chemistry (PhD Student) at Xenon

Who We Are: Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE [Upgrade to PRO to see link] is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team. What We Do: We are advancing an exciting product pipeline [Upgrade to PRO to see link] to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting, and continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates. In 2025, we initiated Phase 1 trials for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7). Nav1.7 and Kv7 are important pain targets, and data from these Phase 1 studies are expected in 2026 to support Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in acute pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations. About the Role: We are seeking a Research Associate 2, Computational Chemistry (PhD Student), to join our team. The Research Associate 2, Computational Chemistry will contribute to Xenon’s Drug Discovery Programs by leveraging his/her/their expertise in programming, scripting, machine learning, and/or computational chemistry. This ideal candidate demonstrates enthusiasm for drug discovery and is capable of working closely with IT professionals and cross-functional scientists. This role reports to the Research Scientist 2, Computational Chemistry and will be a hybrid role in Boston, MA, USA. This role requires up to 3 to 4 days in the office per week. This position is a full-time, 6 month contract role. All intellectual property (IP) related to this work-term will remain confidential as per Xenon’s internal IP policy and cannot be included nor discussed in regard to the graduate student’s thesis work. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Contribute to the development of internal machine learning, generative AI, and/or data analysis tools/platforms to support the work of medicinal chemists and/or computational chemists. - Provide troubleshooting support for the tools/platforms utilized by medicinal chemists and computational chemists. - Update the fully automated, project-specific data integration as requested for all ongoing drug discovery projects, in collaboration with other team members. - Collaborate closely with the Computational Chemistry team, the Research IT team and the Chemistry department. - Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any. - Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: - Currently a PhD student in chemical engineering, computational chemistry, machine learning or a related field. - Proficiency in Linux environment and strong programming/scripting skills. - Experience in any of the following fields: computational chemistry, cheminformatics, machine learning, deep learning, or generative AI. - Proficient in Knime or capable of acquiring Knime skills. - Preferred experience in deep learning or generative AI. - Good oral and written communication skills in English. - Ability to work collaboratively in a flexible team environment. Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions. Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.