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Vocational training for medicinal chemists: views from industry
W Busse1, C Ganellin, L Mitscher
1International Head of Research, Health Care Sector Pharma, Bayer AG, POB 10 17 09, D-42096, Wuppertal 1, Germany.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|October 27, 2011
Summary
Pharmaceutical companies prefer hiring organic chemists with additional medicinal chemistry training over specialists. Key desired skills include biochemistry, pharmacology, and computational chemistry.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Industry
Background:
- The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Medicinal Chemistry Section surveyed pharmaceutical companies on academic training needs.
- Industry hiring trends for medicinal chemists were investigated through two separate surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the academic qualifications sought by major pharmaceutical companies for medicinal chemistry roles.
- To identify preferred educational backgrounds and specialized training for aspiring medicinal chemists in the industry.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to major research pharmaceutical companies globally in July 1992 and July 1993.
- Responses from 102 participants across 65 companies were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of companies expressed a preference for hiring organic chemists with supplementary medicinal chemistry education.
- Biochemistry (including drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics), pharmacology, physiology, computer modeling, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR), and molecular biology were frequently cited as desirable additional subjects.
Conclusions:
- The pharmaceutical industry generally favors broader organic chemistry expertise supplemented with specific medicinal chemistry knowledge.
- Educational programs should consider incorporating key areas like biochemistry, pharmacology, and computational methods to meet industry demands.
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