Senior/Principal Scientist/ Associate Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Our client is a clinical-stage biotech company redefining peptide therapeutics through the integration of AI-driven design, novel chemistry, and translational biology. Backed by a global leader in technology and life sciences, we are advancing a pipeline of First-in-Class (FIC) programs targeting [oncology, metabolic, immunology] with high unmet need.
They combine the scientific rigor of Big Pharma with the speed and ownership of a startup.

The team is distributed across the US and China, united by one goal: deliver breakthrough medicines to patients, faster.
They are seeking a qualified candidate to drive peptide drug discovery from concept to candidate. You will own the chemistry strategy for FIC programs and work shoulder-to shoulder with computational, biology, and translational teams to compress timelines from idea to IND (Investigational New Drug) application to begin Clinical Trials (testing on humans). 

What You'll Own
• Lead design and optimization of First-in-Class peptide therapeutics against novel,
high-value targets
• Drive SAR campaigns across macrocycles, stapled peptides, peptide-drug
conjugates, and oral bioavailable peptides
• Partner with AI/ML, CADD, structural biology, DMPK, and pharmacology to run rapid
design-make-test cycles
• Advance programs through hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies
• Represent Medicinal Chemistry on core project teams and mentor junior scientists

What You Bring
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field
• Industry experience at major pharmaceutical companies, with peptides/proteins  taken to IND/clinic
• Startup experience: Thrive in agile, ambiguous environments with high ownership
• and urgency
• Deep expertise in peptide design: non-canonical amino acids, cyclization,
conjugation, SBDD, and peptide property optimization
• Proven FIC track record: Invented novel mechanisms of action and advanced them into development


Why Join Our Client

• Real shots on goal: Work on FIC programs with line of sight to patients
• Speed + Resources: Startup velocity, backed to move programs to the clinic
• Global + Flexible: Base in US or China, collaborate with world-class talent
• Top-tier package: Competitive comp, significant equity, and comprehensive benefits