Director, Peptide Chemistry

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled leader with a strong background in peptide discovery. The successful candidate will lead all peptide chemistry efforts aimed at discovering high-quality peptide- and protein-based radiopharmaceutical drug candidates targeting solid tumors.

The ideal candidate is an experienced senior peptide chemist with over 6 years of industrial experience. This individual will play a key role in building the company’s radionuclide-drug conjugate (RDC) chemistry platforms and contributing to the advancement of our growing development programs.

This role requires strong leadership in driving internal programs from hit generation and lead optimization through development candidate selection. The candidate will support translational science and early development activities, collaborate effectively with internal research teams and external partners, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to cross-functional initiatives to achieve company objectives.

• Oversee all peptide-related projects at Full-Life, working closely with the CSO to identify, develop, and advance preclinical proof-of-concept (PoC) for peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals.
• Lead the peptide chemistry activities in the design and development of novel peptide drug candidates, with a strong understanding of relevant assays and go/no-go decision-making criteria.
• Act as a globally oriented innovator, able to collaborate across geographies at the highest levels of scientific and technical innovation.
• Apply scientific expertise to plan, design, execute, and interpret studies for the development of novel preclinical peptide candidates.
• Evaluate target selection and lead peptide drug research projects, overseeing screening, synthesis, and optimization efforts.
• Drive the full discovery process—from early-stage hit identification to the selection of preclinical peptide candidates.
• Manage and coordinate all project activities, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget by working closely with external vendors and research collaborators.
• Review and contribute to the technical content of regulatory documents such as INDs, IMPDs, and other submissions.
• Stay abreast of advances in peptide chemistry, target discovery, and lead optimization, continuously enhancing team capabilities.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years (preferably 10+ years) of industry experience in peptide or peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) discovery.
• Experience in peptide design, synthesis, validation, and preclinical development in a CRO or biotech setting (PDC experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated success in advancing assets from lead discovery to clinical translation, including preclinical and in vivo PoC.
• Proven ability to manage technical projects with external vendors and collaborators.
• Strong project management skills, including contracting, budgeting, and timeline oversight.
• Ability to multitask and manage parallel work streams in a fast-paced drug development environment.
• Proactive, forward-thinking, and creative problem-solver with strong team collaboration skills.