Scientist, Peptide Chemistry
About The Position
We are seeking a scientist to join our Peptide Chemistry team. In this role, you will drive peptide drug discovery projects that sit at the nexus of empirical medicinal chemistry and Calico’s proprietary Machine Learning (ML) peptide design platform. You will collaborate cross-functionally with ML scientists, medicinal chemists, automation specialists, and biologists to explore structure-activity relationships (SAR). By leveraging a rapid design-make-test cycle, you will accelerate the optimization of therapeutic peptides and contribute to the evolution of a world-class synthetic engine.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, or a related discipline with 0-2 years of industry experience in drug discovery
- Experience in peptide hit discovery, SAR campaigns, ADMET optimization, and peptide formulation
- Proven experience building and interpreting complex assay cascades, including biophysical characterization, functional protein/cell-based assays, and ADMET screening
- High proficiency in automated synthesis, purification (HPLC, Flash, SPE), and characterization (LCMS, NMR, CD, etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to implement diverse chemistries, including backbone-modifications, macrocyclization, stapling, and bioconjugation via solid- or solution-phase strategies
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse functional groups
- Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week
Nice To Haves
- Experience with organic synthesis, including transition metal catalysis and synthesis of non-canonical amino acids, is highly desired
- Experience with automation, software, and data-science integration into chemistry workflows
- Ability to utilize AI-tools to improve efficiency of research and build programs for data analysis or synthesis
- Knowledgeable on the key principles of ML-design for peptide therapeutics
- Prior experience with peptide-specific computational tools for hit discovery, SAR prioritization, molecular modeling, and physicochemical characterization
Responsibilities
- Lead peptide drug discovery campaigns from initial hit identification through to IND-enabling studies
- Onboard and optimize novel chemistries for high-throughput, automated peptide synthesis; troubleshoot complex synthetic challenges to generate high-quality leads, and curate a custom library of building blocks
- Collaborate with biology, software, automation, assay, and pharmacology teams to ensure seamless execution of ML platform objectives and drug discovery milestones
- Actively mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative innovation
- Manage external collaborations and CROs efficiently, including teams of chemists, DMPK scientists and formulation experts
Benefits
- two annual cash bonuses
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
