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 help advance our targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform. The successful candidate will mentor project leads within the chemistry team, leading projects and supervising multiple projects simultaneously. Applicants should have experience in drug discovery with a proven track record in Lead Optimization and delivering clinical candidates. Working as part of a cross-functional team spanning chemistry, biology, analytical sciences, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology, the candidate will also manage collaborations and CRO resources as needed. This position will report to the VP Chemistry and will have direct reports.

Role and responsibilities:

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts simultaneously on multiple projects from the earliest stages through to clinical development.
• Ensure the success of chemistry aspects of the drug discovery teams through individual contributions, as well as project leadership, and through mentorship of direct reports as emerging chemistry project leaders.
• Provide leadership, direction, and contribute to project delivery through motivation, collaborative working, and development of people 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 strategy to protect and expand intellectual property.
• Oversee external chemistry CROs.
• Collaborate with the VP of Chemistry to develop a strategy for building and supporting highly innovative degradation platforms.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 10+ years, MS with 13+ years, or BS with 16+ 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 delivery of development compounds.
• Experience in building robust data packages to support IND filings.
• High level of creativity and productivity with strong synthetic problem-solving skills, 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 interacting with CMOs for GLPtox batch and GMP synthesis.

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 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, and has a key collaboration with the Center for Protein Degradation at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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.