Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Company: KimiaTX.com
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: March 29, 2025

Job Description:

Are you excited about getting in on the ground floor of a startup company 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. At Kimia, we look for collaborative teammates who are motivated by our mission and would like to play an impactful role in the growth and success of an emerging pharmaceutical company.Job SummaryKimia'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 Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, will advance promising compounds into Hit-to-Lead, then Lead Optimizations campaigns by synthesizing molecules and developing SAR. The candidate is responsible for independently planning and executing synthetic organic chemistry procedures/sequences to efficiently obtain synthesis targets for biological assays and testing. The selected candidate is also responsible for interpreting and communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team. This role reports to the VP of Medicinal Chemistry, is highly collaborative, and involves forming productive relationships in an interdisciplinary team. The Senior Scientist will have the opportunity to expand their medicinal chemistry expertise and gain a comprehensive understanding of modern drug discovery, supported by the supervisor's guidance and coaching.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
• 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, abide by all regulatory guidelines
• Effectively manage chemistry CRO collaboration with a team of external chemistsQualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry with a minimum of 3 years of medicinal chemistry experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
  • Postdoc is a bonus but not required.
  • 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.
  • Experience 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
  • Highly goal-driven and detail-oriented; commitment to continuous learning
  • Record of achievement with peer-reviewed publicationsSalary$137,000 - $166,000 a yearThe anticipated salary range for this position is $137,000 to $166,000. The final salary will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc.On top of base salary, we offer comprehensive benefits, bonus, and equity. If this range doesn't match your expectations, please still apply because we may have another opportunity for you.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. At Kimia we believe that a diverse, open and inclusive environment is key to our success. We are proud to be equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment.Full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment at Kimia. If you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a disability, or serious medical condition, or because it would violate your sincerely held religious belief, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.Note to external recruiters: Please do not submit any agency resumes. Kimia will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.
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Keywords: KimiaTX.com, Berkeley , Senior Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Other , Berkeley, California