Associate Director​/Director, Medicinal Chemistry; Title

* If interested, please send your CV to:

Job Title

Associate Director / Director, Medicinal Chemistry

(Title flexible based on experience)

Location

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

Company Overview

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.

Role Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Why Join Us

• 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

* If interested, please send your CV to: