Head of Chemistry

Mariana Oncology • Watertown, MA

9d • $189,420 - $351,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Head of Chemistry to join and lead Mariana’s Chemistry organization, advancing personalized medicine and radiopharmaceuticals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field) with a strong record of achievement in oncology drug discovery.
• 12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of success in leading chemistry teams and advancing oncology drug candidates to development candidates and beyond.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
• In-depth knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, drug design strategies, and preclinical drug development.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, structure-based drug design, and/or computational chemistry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated track record of success in oncology is required.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in peptides is highly preferred.
• Experience in targeted radiopharmaceuticals is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of chemistry professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Set the strategic direction for the chemistry function, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall scientific and business objectives.
• Drive the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel radiopharmaceutical drug candidates, ensuring they meet preclinical requirements for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties.
• Provide scientific and strategic guidance to cross-functional teams (including biology, radiopharmacology, preclinical development, imaging, and clinical development) to advance projects through discovery and development.
• Evaluate assay and instrument performance, ability to troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate cutting-edge technologies and methodologies (e.g., structure-based design, computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry) to accelerate drug discovery.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends and innovations in medicinal chemistry and oncology to ensure the company remains at the forefront of the field.
• Lead the timely delivery of key milestones in the drug discovery process, from hit identification through lead optimization; support preclinical development, translational, and clinical activities.
• Promote professional development opportunities for team members through mentorship, training, and career advancement.
• Effectively manage the team’s workload and distribution to ensure proper load management and optimize each program’s chance for success based on each individual’s strengths.
• Oversee effective CRO management for external vendors to optimize value, efficiency, and speed.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape the company's R&D pipeline and identify new opportunities to address critical oncology challenges.

Benefits

• US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes a strong health insurance package, life insurance, disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits.
• In addition, employees are eligible for a generous flexible time off program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees