Are you excited about joining a biotech startup poised to revolutionize small molecule drug discovery? At Kimia Therapeutics we are building a next-generation drug discovery engine by combining high-throughput chemistry and screening with state-of-the-art computational approaches to accelerate the discovery of novel drugs. We are looking for collaborative teammates who are motivated by our mission and values; by joining us, you will have the opportunity to play an impactful role in the growth and success of an emerging small molecule therapeutics company. This role will report directly to the VP of Medicinal Chemistry.

Job Summary

Kimia’s ATLAS platform enables the discovery & development of small molecule therapeutics in oncology and immunology. Screening hits that emerge from the platform are jumpstarting Kimia’s drug discovery programs. The Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, will work at the interface of the ATLAS platform and Medicinal Chemistry by advancing promising compounds into Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization campaigns. The candidate is primarily responsible for analyzing SAR, following up independently with design and hands-on synthesis of analogs to further develop SAR via both the ATLAS platform and medicinal chemistry. The selected candidate is also responsible for interpreting and communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team. This role is highly collaborative and requires forming productive relationships in an interdisciplinary team. The role requires both synthetic work in the lab and management of a team of CRO chemists.

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

Knowledge And Skills

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
Bonus but not required: HTE and automation experience

Education And Experience

Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry
Postdoc is preferred
5+ years medicinal chemistry work experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry
Management of medicinal chemistry teams and PhD-level direct reports

We offer a vibrant startup environment where every member of the Kimia team plays an important role in shaping our science and our culture. Kimia offers competitive pay, participation in our stock option plan, and comprehensive benefits. Kimia is proud to be equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment.

Note to External Recruiters: We are not accepting external resumes for this position. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place does not create any implied obligation.

Recruitment Disclaimer All official recruitment communications from Kimia Therapeutics will only come from an email address ending in @kimiatx.com. We will never contact candidates through text messages, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts or other unofficial channels. Additionally, we will never request payment, fees, or financial information at any stage of the recruitment or interview process. If you receive communication that does not follow these guidelines, please treat it as suspicious and instead review the position postings on our official website to verify its authenticity.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Overview

About Kimia Therapeutics

Headquarters

Website

Company Size

Industry

Company Type

Founded

Specialties

Jobs

Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Posts