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) 

Have Fun! 

We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values.  In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).

About Us: 

Neomorph is a venture backed biotechnology company solving critical problems in human health through the discovery and development of innovative new medicines against ‘undruggable targets’. Our team is comprised of industry leading experts in protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of ground-breaking discoveries in the field. We are committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of molecular glue drug discovery, while prosecuting a pipeline of projects through clinical development. Our patient-first, science-driven approach is complemented by our dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment. 

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.

Notice to agencies: Neomorph will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting/search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at Neomorph via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Neomorph. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Neomorph as a result of the referral or through other means.