Head of Chemistry
Redwood City, CA
Our client combines synthetic biology and machine learning to tackle age-related diseases. We are looking for a Head of Chemistry to build out internal chemistry capabilities, including medicinal chemistry, chemical synthesis, and analytical chemistry. This leadership role will have the unique opportunity to be among the first hires of a groundbreaking startup and make significant contributions to curing age-related diseases.
Requirements
- Scientific creativity, originality, and agency, as evidenced by a strong scientific publication record or similar achievements
- Strong experience in medicinal chemistry including lead optimization, formulation, ADME, PK/PD, and rodent models
- Strong experience in organic synthesis including retrosynthesis and library synthesis
- Strong experience in analytical chemistry including LC-MS
- Demonstrated ability to translate lead small molecules to DCs
- Ability to communicate and work closely with company leadership, including the CEO and company advisors
Responsibilities
- Lead hands-on wet-lab chemistry for the company, including all aspects of medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and analytical chemistry
- Lead routine, continual synthesis of novel chemical compounds
- Lead the development of screening hits and optimized leads into DCs, including the execution of ADME assays and LC-MS analysis
- Lead or contribute to the execution of scientific experiments as needed
- Communicate work clearly and report directly to team members and the CEO
What we’re looking for
- Preferred qualifications: 2+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience and PhD degree in chemistry or a related field
Nice to have
- Excitement about synthetic biology and AI-driven small molecule drug discovery
- Computational library design and/or access to privileged chemical spaces
- Rodent handling and biological wet-lab experience
- Computational and programming experience, e.g. Python/RDKit
- Software experience, e.g. DataWarrior