Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry - Peptides, Small Molecule, Cancer (Requires Relocation to Durham)

Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry - Peptides, Small Molecule, Cancer (Requires Relocation to Durham)

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Z-Alpha Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of radiotherapeutics targeting key biological pathways for solid tumors. The company has a revolutionary technology platform in the next generation of alpha particle therapy with potential to be a more targeted therapy, increasing efficacy and limiting toxicity compared to competitors in the radiotherapeutics space. The company has a world-class team of scientists with decades of experience and foundational intellectual property that enables the potential to bring multiple drug candidates into the clinic.

** POSITION REQUIRES RELOCATION TO DURHAM, NC **

Position Overview :

We are looking for a highly experienced and innovative Principal Scientist in Chemistry to lead our drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry and a proven ability to drive projects from early discovery through preclinical development. This position requires strong leadership, strategic insight, and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule drug candidates.
• Develop and implement medicinal chemistry strategies to enhance the drug discovery pipeline.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and toxicology, to advance projects.
• Utilize structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to inform and guide compound optimization.
• Up to 50% lab work is expected.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret experimental outcomes, and present findings at project team and company-wide meetings.
• Maintain rigorous records of experiments, ensuring data integrity, reproducibility, and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Establish and manage laboratory infrastructure and standard operation process.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in medicinal chemistry to inform project strategies.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience .
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, with proficiency in multi-step syntheses and retrosynthetic analysis of complex molecules.
• Demonstrated ability to creatively employ structure- and/or ligand-based drug design to enhance the potency of lead compounds.
• Extensive knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles with proven track record of leading drug discovery projects with successful outcomes.
• Highly organized, with strong time-management skills and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing project landscapes.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Experience with interacting with external chemistry vendors.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Join us at Z-Alpha Therapeutics and contribute to innovative solutions that redefine the landscape of cancer treatment!

Required location OR relocation to Durham

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Science, Research, and Project Management

• Industries

  Biotechnology Research and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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