Scientific Program Manager

Chai Discovery • San Francisco, CA

54d

About The Position

We are looking for a scientist-turned-program manager to lead our ever-growing program of lab experiments. Experimental data is key to testing research hypotheses and training frontier AI models for protein design -- you will set the vision for how we scale and optimize our lab-in-the-loop data engine. You will play a critical role in developing traditional and next-generation biologics at Chai, spanning monoclonals, bispecifics, TCEs, engineered cytokines, multifunctionals, and ADC/DAC formats. You'll help us plan and execute a broad array of design constructs, expression and purification campaigns, and fit-for-purpose assays that read out affinity, specificity, and developability. This is a chance to push the boundaries of drug discovery by building some of the most advanced AI drug design models ever built. Immerse yourself in the technologies and methods that make this innovation possible.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent work experience in Biological Sciences, Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Experience with design and characterization in antibody-based biologics, ideally across at least one advanced modality (e.g., bispecifics, TCEs, ADCs)
• Able to expertly inspect data, draw sound conclusions (are we making reasonable claims?), and clearly summarize key findings
• Understand molecular-biology workflows for cloning, transient/stable expression (mammalian or yeast), purification, and quality control
• Familiar with binding and developability assays, SPR/BLI, ELISA, flow cytometry, etc.
• Literate with computational biology tools like GraphPad Prism, Python, and R
• Proven record of designing experimental plans and managing CRO relationships from SOW through data review
• Able to juggle multiple projects, adapt priorities quickly, and communicate results to colleagues in a tight feedback loop
• Knows how to communicate to internal & external audiences, from research associates to executives
• Organized and scrappy
• Detail-oriented and fast-moving
• Flexible
• Proactive
• Ambitious

Benefits

• Frontier technology: we’re developing the next frontier of AI-driven drug discovery that will fundamentally change how new therapeutics are created.
• World-class team: opportunity to work with world-renowned leaders in the AI x biology and technology ecosystem who have created some of the most impactful advancements.
• Highly competitive compensation: we offer highly competitive salary, equity package, and healthcare and wellness benefits.
• Velocity and ownership: we move incredibly fast, which means continuous learning and career growth opportunities are a guarantee. Every team member owns a significant slice of the roadmap.
• Strong team culture: Collaborative and supportive startup culture in a small and high-energy team who are guided by our mission to increase the efficiency of creating new medicines and positively impact millions of lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees