Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Psi Thera is seeking a talented and creative medicinal chemist with a strong track record of advancing peptide therapeutics and small molecule drug discovery projects from initial hits through to development candidate selection to join our dynamic, multidisciplinary team. Our science and our team are focused on combining medicinal chemistry with our cutting-edge computational platform to rapidly identify and optimize molecules into innovative medicines for patients.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment that integratescomputational andexperimental datato drive our programs to the clinic.

The ideal candidate willhave directexperienceoptimizing and advancing novel peptide therapeutics into clinical development,integratingadeep knowledge of synthetic andmedicinal chemistry with insilico drug discovery methodsto performmultiparameteroptimization, including ADME/PKconsiderations, and rapidly advance programs from hitidentificationto leadselectionto development candidatenomination.

Asuccessful candidate will havea deep knowledgeindesign and synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics with enhanced potency, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties,strong synthetic chemistry skills,expertise in creative and practical small molecule design,experience guiding teams of CRO chemist sand excellent communication skills.

This individual willjoinourgrowing medicinal chemistry teamand collaborate closely across functions includingcomputational chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, andbiologyteams to provide actionable insights and strategic guidance.

Advancepeptidetherapeutics, especiallymacrocyclicpeptidesandsmall molecule programsfromscreeningtodevelopment candidateselection

Champion cross-functional collaboration, in collaboration with CADD, biophysics,structural biology, DMPKand biologydesignmoleculesto achieve program goals and meet timelines

Implementstructure-based and computational-baseddrugdesigntooptimizepeptide and small molecule therapeutics;

Prioritize and implement synthesis.

Manage teams of external synthetic chemists to ensuretimelydelivery of complex target molecules for biological testing.

Ensure data integrity and project success by interpreting analytical results to confirm compound quality.

Stay currentwithchemistry, medicinalchemistryandproject-relevantliteratureas well aswithnewpatentapplication filings.

Leadresearchteam orserve as medicinal chemistry leadfrom concept through lead optimization toward clinical development.

Education:

BS, MS or PhD in organic chemistry, medicinalchemistryor a closely related field

Experience:

5-10years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track recordof advancingmoleculesfromhit to development candidateselection.

Demonstratedexpertiseinorganic chemistry,includingproficienciesinboth automated solid-phase peptide synthesis, and solution-phase small molecule synthesis.

Demonstratedexpertiseinmedicinal chemistry,analyzing data,designingmoleculesand implementingsynthesistooptimizeboth peptides andsmall molecules for oral delivery.

Deep knowledge of macrocyclic peptidesoptimization, including properties required fororaladministration.

Proficient instructure-based ligand designto guide peptide and small moleculeoptimization.

Experience with computational modeling and simulation for design and optimizationofpeptides and small molecules.

Experienceutilizingpeptide informatics tools for SAR

Familiarity with machine learning and AI-driven platform sin drug discovery.

Experience leading and managing teams of external chemists

Experience in a leadership roleis preferred, as a project lead or co-lead, as well as functional area lead for medicinal chemistry.

Hands-onandcollaborative attitudewithproven ability to workacrossdrug discovery disciplines, including biology,structural biology,computationalchemistryandbiophysics.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability toinspire,collaborateandleadina multidisciplinary environment.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a strong passion for learning new concepts and technologies.

Familiaritywithlibrary-based screening technologies(DEL, mRNAdisplay ,phage display) and direct experiencewithscreen follow-upand fragment-baseddrug discovery.

Experiencewithprogressing programs through leadoptimizationfor immunology targets

Familiarity with molecular modeling tools

Proficiency with data analysis toolssuch as Spotfire

Psi Therais creating better therapeutics through an integrated molecular design paradigm thatleveragesbest-in-class physics-based and AI technologies honed through decades of research and innovation. Our focus is first-in-class inflammation and immunology (I&I) small molecule therapeutics. We have assembled a diverse team with extensive experience across disciplines ranging from physics and computer science to chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and structural biology. This…