Associate Director​/Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Location

Headquarters:
Palo Alto, CA, USA
Virtual-but-local model: candidates may work remotely but must be available for weekly in-person meetings at our Palo Alto headquarters.

We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with serious unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We operate in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and science-driven environment, and value entrepreneurial individuals who enjoy building processes, solving complex problems, and contributing hands‑on to the advancement of clinical programs.

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated medicinal chemist to lead and execute small-molecule discovery programs from hit identification through development candidate selection and beyond. The successful candidate will be a proven drug hunter with a strong track record in medicinal chemistry and small-molecule drug discovery, and with demonstrated experience managing external CRO partners.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic startup environment and is excited to make direct, hands‑on contributions to pipeline growth and scientific strategy.

• Lead or support small-molecule discovery programs across all stages, from hit identification and hit-to-lead through lead optimization and development candidate selection
• Define medicinal chemistry strategy and drive SAR development through compound design, data interpretation, and close collaboration within cross-functional matrix teams
• Apply computational and structure-based design tools to guide molecular design and optimization
• Manage and oversee day-to-day activities of external chemistry CRO partners to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables
• Partner with internal and external teams to advance ADME/PK studies, preclinical safety assessments, and scale-up activities as needed
• Lead or contribute to patent preparation and scientific publications
• Clearly present chemistry rationale, strategy, and program updates to cross‑functional teams and senior leadership
• Contribute to the growth, culture, and operational excellence of the medicinal chemistry function

• PhD in Organic Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant experience in biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated excellence in medicinal chemistry problem‑solving and small-molecule drug discovery
• Strong understanding of ADME/PK, preclinical safety, and fundamental pharmacology
• Experience with structure-based drug design (SBDD) tools and approaches
• Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, fast-moving, matrixed team environments
• Strong collaboration skills with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Highly self‑motivated, execution-driven, and scientifically creative
• Strong publication record, patent filings, and scientific presentations
• Prior experience in a startup or small biotech environment

• Experience in autoimmune, immunology, or inflammatory disease areas
• Broad discovery experience spanning target identification, hit identification, hit‑to‑lead, lead optimization, and preclinical candidate selection

• Hands‑on, execution-focused mindset
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder‑management abilities
• Proactive problem‑solver who is comfortable operating in ambiguity
• Team‑oriented leader with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

• Opportunity to make a direct and visible impact on discovery programs
• High level of responsibility and scientific influence in a growing startup
• Collaborative, rigorous, and science‑first culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits