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Form of workJob Description
About Nine Square Therapeutics:
Nine Square Therapeutics is a growing biotech company founded by ATP Ventures together with leading scientists in the field of computational chemistry and system biology. Our mission is to find treatments for life-threatening neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and ALS. We are applying molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations combined with imaging-based cell profiling to identify and develop novel small-molecule therapeutics that significantly improve patients' lives. Nine Square Therapeutics offers a dynamic start-up environment with a passionate team of mission-driven professionals. We seek colleagues to push the boundaries of drug discovery and identify innovative solutions to scientific problems.
Position Summary:
As a Principal Scientist working in the Drug Discovery team your work will be central to the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs targeting the CNS. You will utilize your expertise in Medicinal Chemistry and drug design to lead or co-lead interdisciplinary drug discovery projects. You will help set scientific strategies and priorities, and drive programs forward to meet key milestones. You will use cutting-edge methods to design drug candidates and conduct multiparameter optimization campaigns. Effective leadership and management of CRO-based research activities is an important component of this position. As an early hire, you will help grow the company and its culture and your contributions will be key to the company's success.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide strong Medicinal Chemistry project leadership and drive programs to achieve key milestones
- Optimization of small molecule drug candidates across multiple parameters, including biochemical and cell activity, in vitro and in vivo ADME/DMPK, in vivo efficacy, and safety
- Effectively manage external CRO-driven research activities such as chemical synthesis and ADME/PK
- Work closely and effectively in a team setting with chemistry and biology colleagues to set strategy and priorities.
- Conduct regular literature and patent searches to build and maintain awareness of scientific and competitive landscape
- Management of internal and external FTEs, consultants, and contractors
- Provide impeccable data integrity oversight and ensure electronic drug discovery databases are maintained
- Prepare and present project summaries, updates, and reports. Assist in the preparation of patent application document
Qualifications/Skills:
- Demonstrable and creative hypothesis-driven problem-solving skills, as demonstrated by patent inventorship and peer-reviewed publications
- Mastery of current Medicinal Chemistry and organic synthesis methods, with expertise in the design of small-molecule drug candidates and identification of appropriate synthesis routes
- Excellent working knowledge of computational chemistry paradigms and ability to integrate into Medicinal Chemistry campaigns
- Expertise of basic drug discovery biology and pharmacology methods, and the ability and desire to be part of a multidisciplinary team
- Prior experience leading project team(s)
- Excellent written and oral presentation skills, with the ability to present data in a concise and well-organized manner
Education / Experience:
- Ph.D. in organic or Medicinal Chemistry or related field
- 12+ years of relevant Medicinal Chemistry and drug discovery experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment
- Experience in CNS drug discovery is a plus
- Demonstrated experience in delivering a lead candidate for development preferred
- Experience with computational chemistry and cheminformatics is a plus
