Scientist, Research Scientist, Drug Discovery

Scientist, Chemistry

The scientist will design and synthesize novel chemical constructs as potential new RPT therapies for cancer treatments. The scientist I/II will be a highly motivated and technically skilled synthetic organic, peptide or medicinal chemist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates will work as part of a team of scientists to synthesize and design both small molecules and peptide analogs to optimize potency, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy of potential drug candidates.

The role is highly technical and will need a person who enjoys working at the bench with high productivity and data analysis skills and a comfort level in working under tight timelines.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design and synthesize small molecule/novel peptide compounds in support of SAR campaigns for pipeline projects.
• Contribute towards developing SAR on assigned projects, design and synthesize key target molecules to assess chemical/biological hypothesis.
• Independently plan and execute organic synthesis routes for complex molecules. Utilize modern purification and analytical tools to support synthesis and characterization of target compounds.
• Work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to provide needed chemistry support to guide programs through lead identification/optimization phases.
• Work closely with chemists, DMPK, imaging and in vitro/vivo teams to ensure that target compounds are generated in a timely manner to support the screening funnel.
• Contribute experimental efforts in support of target selection and initiation of new RPT projects.
• Keep abreast of the literature in the field of RPTs, identify novel concepts and ideas to help advance the state of art in RPT field.
• Contribute towards IP filings and drafting of publications, presentations.
• Routinely present research findings, project updates in interdisciplinary team settings.
• Adhere rigorously to safety guidelines, regulatory standards and company policies and ensure a safe working environment.
• Uses AI tools to enhance individual productivity and quality of work

Education and experience:

• BS 5+ years
• or MS 3+ years
• or PhD 0 years

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in synthetic organic, medicinal, or peptide chemistry with 0-4+ years of post-PhD/postdoc experience in pharmaceutical/biotech R&D environments demonstrating successful accomplishments and productivity.
• Experience in working on targeted cancer therapy modalities such as RPTs, ADCs, PDCs is highly desirable.

Skills and qualifications:

• Well versed in modern synthetic organic/peptide/med chem principles and demonstrated track record of high productivity and achievements in the lab.
• Multi-step organic synthesis, structure-based drug design, and operation of analytical tools like NMR and HPLC/LC-MS.
• High scientific curiosity and a learning mindset coupled with strong technical problem-solving skills and strong understanding of the concepts of drug design, SAR analysis, ADME/PK is important.
• The ability to share data and collaborate with cross functional team members is critical as is the ability to effectively interpret data and plan experiments without supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

This is a position that requires working in a laboratory environment, protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working in a laboratory environment.

Work environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.