Principal Scientist in Chemical Induced Proximity

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Principal Scientist with specialized expertise in drug discovery to direct our Chemical Induced Proximity Center in the highly collaborative Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics.

The incumbent will be responsible for driving strategic decisions throughout the various stages of the small molecule drug discovery process focusing on chemically induced proximity platforms. Experience with use of computational tools including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in virtual screening, small molecule design and optimization is preferred.

• Set up the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaboratively interacting cross-functionally within departmental collaborative centers and various departments at the institution. Lead and manage a team of scientists and large-scale, multidisciplinary projects through proactive research collaboration, and provide direction in specific area of expertise.
• Contribute to recruiting and growing the team, guiding and mentoring junior staff.
• Stay at the forefront of induced proximity platforms, including but not limited to PROTACs, molecular glues, and other bifunctional or allosteric modulators.
• Evaluate new technologies, chemical tools, and screening platforms that can accelerate the development of proximity-based therapeutics.
• Design and optimize focused chemical libraries to identify hits, leads, and drug candidates that induce selective protein interactions and cellular phenotypic changes.
• Maintain collaborative partnerships while ensuring recognition on collaborating publications and patents.
• Lead and manage a number of contract research organizations (CRO) and external chemistry partners across the globe.
• Oversee structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies to enhance potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties of candidate molecules. Lead efforts to improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological profiles of compounds in collaboration with ADMET and DMPK teams.
• Serve as functional expert in due diligences for assets in-licensing and discovery partnerships.
• Responsible for leading publication efforts in high-impact scientific journals.
• Experience in drug discovery in Pharma/Biotech industry highly preferred.
• Experience with computational design or AI/ML preferred.
• PhD with management experience preferred.

This is a senior leadership role with a focus on advancing cutting-edge drug discovery programs for childhood catastrophic diseases using the latest approaches in proximity-based targeting. Specifically, based on the mechanistic basis of disease, our goal is to develop unique chemical approaches (protein degraders, synthetic gene regulators and/or functional effectors) to degrade or manipulate targets relevant to pediatric oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and sickle cell disease.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• PhD preferred.

• Fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience is required with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Thirteen (13) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master’s degree.
• Ten (10) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD.

Your health and well-being are important to us. That’s why St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides employees with high-quality benefits choices. We are committed to ensuring our benefits are competitive and affordable. St. Jude continues to cover medical premiums for employees and offers low additional costs for dependents. View all the benefits offered including medical & prescription drug plans, dental plan, vision plan, financial security, retirement plan, living well – employee wellness program, time off programs, educational benefits, family friendly benefits, and benefits unique to St.

Jude.

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $138,320 – $262,080 per year for the role of Principal Scientist in Chemical Induced Proximity.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.