Associate Director, Peptide Medicinal Chemistry

Associate Director, Peptide Medicinal Chemistry

Location:

Remote

Therapeutic Area: RNA Therapeutics | CNS Drug Delivery | Peptide Discovery

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Associate Director, Peptide Medicinal Chemistry to lead the discovery and optimization of peptide ligands for the targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

This highly visible leadership role will define and drive medicinal chemistry strategy across peptide delivery programs, guiding candidates from hit identification through lead optimization. You will work at the forefront of peptide therapeutics, CNS drug delivery, and oligonucleotide medicine while partnering with experts in computational biology, neuroscience, biophysics, and oligonucleotide chemistry to advance a next-generation delivery platform for neurological diseases.

This is a unique opportunity for a scientific leader who thrives on innovation, enjoys building programs from the ground up, and wants to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing biotechnology company.

Key Responsibilities Scientific Leadership

+ Lead medicinal chemistry strategy for peptide-based delivery technologies targeting RNA therapeutics in the CNS.

+ Drive peptide discovery programs from hit identification through lead optimization and candidate selection.

+ Develop and execute comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) strategies informed by biochemical, cellular, pharmacokinetic (PK), and in vivo data.

+ Design and optimize linear, cyclic, constrained, and non-natural peptide architectures to improve potency, selectivity, stability, and delivery efficiency.

+ Guide the design of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates and other delivery-focused therapeutic constructs.

Drug Discovery & Development

+ Oversee peptide synthesis, purification, and characterization strategies, including solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) approaches.

+ Collaborate closely with biology, neuroscience, biophysics, DMPK, and computational teams to advance candidate molecules.

+ Analyze complex biological, pharmacological, and translational datasets to drive compound progression and portfolio decisions.

+ Support DMPK strategy through medicinal chemistry design aimed at optimizing exposure, distribution, and efficacy.

+ Contribute to the advancement of CNS delivery technologies through a strong understanding of BBB transport mechanisms and receptor-mediated transcytosis.

External & Cross-Functional Leadership

+ Manage external chemistry vendors and CRO partnerships, including project scope, timelines, budgets, milestones, and scientific deliverables.

+ Partner with computational scientists utilizing AI-enabled and generative peptide design technologies to identify and optimize novel ligands.

+ Present program updates, scientific strategy, and key recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

+ Support patent filings, invention disclosures, publications, and broader intellectual property strategy.

Team Development

+ Mentor and develop scientists across peptide chemistry and discovery functions.

+ Foster a collaborative, high-performance scientific culture.

+ Help shape future team structure, scientific priorities, and organizational growth as the company scales.

Required Qualifications Education

+ PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Technical Expertise

+ Proven success advancing peptide drug discovery programs from hit discovery through lead optimization.

+ Deep expertise in peptide medicinal chemistry and SAR-driven optimization.

+ Extensive hands-on experience with:

+ Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)

+ Linear and constrained peptide design

+ Cyclic peptides

+ Non-natural amino acid incorporation

+ Peptide purification and characterization techniques

+ Strong understanding of peptide pharmacology, stability, and develop ability considerations.

+ Experience designing and optimizing peptide conjugates and delivery-focused therapeutic molecules.

+ Ability to interpret and integrate biochemical, cellular, PK, and in vivo datasets to guide medicinal chemistry decisions.

Leadership Experience

+ Track record of leading scientific programs and influencing cross-functional strategy.

+ Experience managing external CROs and scientific partnerships.

+ Proven ability to mentor, develop, and lead scientists in a drug discovery environment.

+ Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage scientific, executive, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience in CNS drug delivery and blood-brain barrier biology.

+ Understanding of receptor-mediated transcytosis mechanisms and targeted delivery approaches.

+ Background in RNA therapeutics, oligonucleotide therapeutics, or nucleic acid medicines.

+

Experience with peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates.

+ Familiarity with AI-enabled or computational peptide design platforms.

+ Experience collaborating with DMPK and translational…