Associate Director - Chemistry
Neomorph, San Diego, CA, United States
Position summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated chemist with proven expertise in medicinal chemistry and excellent leadership skills to lead drug discovery programs into the clinic and advance our targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform. The successful candidate will mentor project leads within the chemistry team, leading programs and supervising multiple projects simultaneously. Applicants should have experience in drug discovery with a proven track record of delivering project transitions across different project stages, including hit identification, hit to lead, lead optimization, and development candidate nomination. Working as part of a cross‑functional team spanning chemistry, biology, molecular sciences, analytical sciences, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology, the candidate will also manage collaborations and CRO resources as needed. This position will report to the SVP Chemistry.
Role and responsibilities
Lead medicinal chemistry efforts simultaneously on multiple projects from the earliest stages through to clinical development.
Ensure the success of the chemistry aspects of the drug discovery teams through individual contributions, project leadership, and mentorship of direct reports as emerging project leaders in chemistry.
Provide leadership and contribute to project delivery through motivation, collaboration, people development, and line competence within the function.
Demonstrate expertise in drug design and medicinal chemistry strategies to improve drug‑likeness, ADME/DMPK, and safety properties.
Develop and execute strategies to protect and expand Neomorph's intellectual property.
Effectively manage CROs to support project progression.
Collaborate with SVP Chemistry to develop strategies for building and evolving highly innovative degradation platforms.
Required qualifications
Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 15+ years of pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience (or equivalent).
Extensive experience in leading, mentoring, developing, and organizing scientists at the Ph.D. level.
Demonstrated ability to advance drug discovery programs from biological targets to the delivery of Development Candidates.
Deep experience in both structure‑ and ligand‑based drug design strategies to progress multiparametric optimization efforts.
Experience in building robust data packages to support IND filings.
High level of creativity and productivity with strong synthetic problem‑solving skills, modern synthetic methods, and reaction mechanisms.
Extensive experience in program leadership with a demonstrated track record of driving data‑based scientific decision‑making.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Preferred qualifications
Experience in collaborating with process chemistry groups to transfer technology for non‑GLP, GLP and GMP synthesis campaigns.
Experience with modeling software such as Live Design or MOE for SBDD.
Experience with molecular glue optimization as a molecular modality.
What we offer
Industry‑competitive compensation
Annual target bonus
Stock options
401K plan
Career advancement opportunities
Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates
Work Hard, Stay Well
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with a monthly Neomorph contribution
Employee Assistance Program
10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
Lifestyle
Casual work environment
Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
Flexible work schedule
Access to onsite gym
Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard)
Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
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Role and responsibilities
Lead medicinal chemistry efforts simultaneously on multiple projects from the earliest stages through to clinical development.
Ensure the success of the chemistry aspects of the drug discovery teams through individual contributions, project leadership, and mentorship of direct reports as emerging project leaders in chemistry.
Provide leadership and contribute to project delivery through motivation, collaboration, people development, and line competence within the function.
Demonstrate expertise in drug design and medicinal chemistry strategies to improve drug‑likeness, ADME/DMPK, and safety properties.
Develop and execute strategies to protect and expand Neomorph's intellectual property.
Effectively manage CROs to support project progression.
Collaborate with SVP Chemistry to develop strategies for building and evolving highly innovative degradation platforms.
Required qualifications
Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 15+ years of pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience (or equivalent).
Extensive experience in leading, mentoring, developing, and organizing scientists at the Ph.D. level.
Demonstrated ability to advance drug discovery programs from biological targets to the delivery of Development Candidates.
Deep experience in both structure‑ and ligand‑based drug design strategies to progress multiparametric optimization efforts.
Experience in building robust data packages to support IND filings.
High level of creativity and productivity with strong synthetic problem‑solving skills, modern synthetic methods, and reaction mechanisms.
Extensive experience in program leadership with a demonstrated track record of driving data‑based scientific decision‑making.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Preferred qualifications
Experience in collaborating with process chemistry groups to transfer technology for non‑GLP, GLP and GMP synthesis campaigns.
Experience with modeling software such as Live Design or MOE for SBDD.
Experience with molecular glue optimization as a molecular modality.
What we offer
Industry‑competitive compensation
Annual target bonus
Stock options
401K plan
Career advancement opportunities
Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates
Work Hard, Stay Well
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with a monthly Neomorph contribution
Employee Assistance Program
10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care
Lifestyle
Casual work environment
Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
Flexible work schedule
Access to onsite gym
Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard)
Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr