Executive Director of Protein Engineering and Chemistry

Shasqi

6d • $250,000 - $300,000 • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Director of Protein Engineering and Chemistry to build and lead our CAPAC (Click Activated Protodrugs Against Cancer) pre-targeting therapeutic engineering platform and team. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving molecular design, optimization, and biologic CMC of our pipeline from early discovery through IND-enabling studies and into the clinic.
This position requires deep expertise in protein engineering, strong knowledge of chemistry and biologic CMC, and demonstrated success advancing therapeutics into clinical development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related discipline.
• Minimum 12+ years of relevant industry experience working in therapeutic discovery and development of either: Biologics and small molecules, or Small molecule-biologic conjugates.
• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience managing scientific teams.
• Demonstrated track record of advancing biologic-based therapies into clinical development.
• Direct experience supporting biologic CMC development, IND submissions, and clinical-stage programs is required.
• Small format biologic discovery and protein engineering.
• Experience with chemical biology or medicinal chemistry.
• Targeted therapies.
• Structure-based design and protein optimization.
• Biophysical and biochemical characterization methods.
• Developability assessment and manufacturability considerations.
• Protein chemistry, conjugation, and modification strategies.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with a highly collaborative organization.
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
• Bioorthogonal click chemistry.
• Protein conjugation and linker chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the protein engineering and chemistry teams toward design, discovery, engineering, and optimization of therapeutic candidates, including biologic binders, chemical payloads, and technologies to enable pre-targeting with click chemistry.
• Personally contribute to molecular design strategy, candidate selection, and developability assessment for both biologic binders and chemical payloads.
• Guide strategy for protein characterization, including biophysical, biochemical, and functional evaluation.
• Establish and implement strategies for lead optimization, focusing on affinity, specificity, stability, manufacturability, and developability.
• Ensure candidates are designed with manufacturability, scalability, and regulatory requirements in mind.
• Lead internal team working with CDMOs and CROs to advance: Cell line development Process development Analytical development GMP Manufacturing Regulatory requirements
• Contribute to IND-enabling activities and regulatory documentation.
• Build, lead, manage, and mentor a high-performing protein engineering and chemistry team.
• Lead team toward defining departmental goals and strategy aligned with research and company goals.
• Lead team to manage internal and external collaborations, including CROs and academic partners.
• Serve as a scientific leader and key contributor to portfolio strategy and candidate selection decisions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in protein engineering, novel payloads, and pre-targeting.
• Identify and implement new tools and platforms to enhance engineering capabilities.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and external meetings as appropriate.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary as part of a broader total rewards package.
• Equity: Included as port of total compensations.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible PTO and a WFH stipend to support remote work.
• Ongoing growth opportunities, professional development, and mentorship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree