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Kimia Therapeutics · 3 months ago

Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Berkeley, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Kimia Therapeutics is a biotech startup focused on revolutionizing small molecule drug discovery. The Senior/Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry will advance promising compounds through Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization campaigns, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and managing CRO chemists.

BiotechnologyTherapeutics

Responsibilities

Design novel bioactive molecules to generate and drive SAR

Apply medicinal chemistry principles to improve protein-ligand interactions, address ADME issues, and optimize DMPK properties

Understand goals & strategies of the project, proactively develop innovative & practical chemistry

Independently plan, initiate and efficiently execute the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules

Sustain a high level of productivity in the lab delivering on team goals

Analyze data, interpret, and communicate results as part of an internal multi-disciplinary team

Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories related to synthetic organic chemistry, keep abreast of recent scientific developments, patents, and primary literature

Prepare presentation materials, clearly communicate research results at meetings to the Chemistry Department and cross-functional teams

Manage a team of CRO chemists incl. attending a weekly TC

Participate in the development and writing of patent applications and scientific papers

Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook according to corporate standards and SOPs

Assume instrument stewardships (e.g. LCMS, NMR, Lyophilizer etc

Keep laboratory environment safe and well-organized, abiding by all regulatory guidelines

Qualification

Medicinal Chemistry principlesProtein-ligand interactionsOrganic chemistry knowledgeMulti-step organic synthesesTransition metal catalysisADMEDMPK challengesPlanningOrganizationCommunication skillsCreative problem solverTeam collaborationDetail-orientedContinuous learning

Required

Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry

5+ years medicinal chemistry work experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry

Management of medicinal chemistry teams and PhD-level direct reports

Excellent knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, physicochemical properties of drug-like matter, ability to solve ADME and DMPK challenges

Strong working knowledge of protein-ligand interactions, and conformational and structural analysis, experience in partnering closely with computational chemists utilizing computational tools, models, and visualization applications

Broad range of organic chemistry knowledge

Planning and performing complex multi-step organic syntheses, retro-synthetic analysis

Extensive repertoire of classic and modern reactions including transition metal catalysis

Strong communication skills, work ethic, enthusiasm, and self-starter mentality

Creative problem solver in the face of synthesis and project difficulties

Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team environment with rapidly changing priorities

Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills

Highly goal-driven and detail-oriented; commitment to continuous learning

Record of achievement with peer-reviewed publications