Director of Drug Discovery

Focus Areas:

Biochemistry, Biology, Medicinal Chemistry

The Director of Drug Discovery will provide scientific and operational leadership for small-molecule programs, from early discovery through candidate selection and preclinical development. This hands-on role carries an immediate mandate to build the function, including hiring a senior scientist, and combines lab science with leadership of internal and external research.

Be a key decision-maker at a well-funded, rapidly growing biotech. Have a direct role in shaping scientific strategy and advancing drug candidates to the clinic.

• Lead small-molecule discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization, candidate selection, and transition into preclinical development.
• Set scientific strategy, compound progression criteria, screening cascades, and stage-appropriate go/no-go criteria.
• Integrate data across medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology to guide program strategy and compound advancement.

• Design and execute laboratory experiments in-house while managing studies at external contract research organizations (CROs).
• Characterize small molecules for mechanism of action, potency, efficacy, selectivity, off-target effects, pharmacokinetics, ADME‑Tox, and SAR.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to inform compound design, prioritization, and progression.

• Direct lead‑optimization efforts using SAR, potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and PK/ADME‑Tox data to guide compound optimization.
• Develop study designs for preclinical work, including novel formulations, dose predictions, and in vitro and in vivo models.
• Evaluate PK/PD relationships, target engagement, and biomarkers to support candidate selection and development planning.

PhD in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, biology, or a related discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience (or MS with 15+ years, or BS with 20+ years). Significant biotech or pharma industry experience in small-molecule drug discovery. Demonstrated experience managing CROs and other external research partners. Ability to integrate complex scientific datasets and translate results into clear program decisions. Strong scientific leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

Location:

San Diego, CA (Onsite) |

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base salary $150,000 - $200,000, plus annual bonus and equity eligibility. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; 401(k); and paid time off/company holidays, subject to plan terms.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision‑making, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Company also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, consistent with applicable law.