Staff Scientist II, Synthetic Chemistry

The discovery chemistry team at Protagonist Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist II in Synthetic Chemistry for a full-time synthetic chemist position. The individual will be responsible for synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides and other organic molecules within our multi-disciplinary drug discovery team. The individual supports multiple research programs, and possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills. This individual will report to the Director of Chemistry.
Key responsibilities:
Synthesis of peptides in a highly efficient manner by either solution phase or manual/automated solid phase synthesis to support peptide drug discovery programs
Provide Synthetic Chemistry expertise and support cross-functional activities; troubleshoot and solve synthetic problems to improve yields and efficiency
Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including synthetic, analytical protocols and data reports
Analyze, interpret, summarize, communicate results and data to the team through presentations or other formats in a timely manner
Work with external CROs for outsourcing activities including unnatural amino acids and peptide synthesis
Organize the lab, maintain instruments, reagents, supplies in daily operations and follow EH&S rules and regulations
Compound management and other technique support for research programs
Requirements:
• PhD in Chemistry with post-graduate organic synthesis experience or MS in Chemistry with 5+ years of post-graduate organic synthesis experience; BS in Chemistry with 8+ years of industrial experience focusing on organic synthesis will also be considered
• Proficiency in the following aspects: organic synthesis, purification and analysis; experience in peptide synthesis is a plus
• Proficiency with analytical HPLC, LC-MS, preparative HPLC and NMR
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office, ChemDraw and SciFinder
• Experience with electronic notebook, Spotfire and other data management and software is a plus
• Excellent time management skills, organizational skills, highly efficient in the lab, adjust work priorities per project needs, and record experiments in an electronic lab notebook in a timely manner
• Ability to develop new skillsets and knowledge is highly desirable
• Work independently with limited guidance and multi-tasking are crucial for success
• Ability to collaborate within the team and cross-function in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $120,000 and $140,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Protagonist Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company with peptide-based new chemical entities (NCEs) rusfertide and JNJ-2113 (formerly PN-235) in advanced stages of clinical development, both derived from the Company's proprietary technology platform. Protagonist and Janssen scientists jointly discovered PN-235 (now known as JNJ-2113) as part of Protagonist's Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) collaboration with Janssen and followed it through IND-enabling pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies, with Janssen assuming responsibility for further clinical development. Rusfertide, a mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is the Company's lead drug candidate currently in a global Phase 3 development program. The randomized portion of the Phase 2 REVIVE study was unblinded, showing positive results and is now complete, with an open-label extension underway. The global Phase 3 VERIFY study of rusfertide in polycythemia vera is ongoing. Protagonist retains all worldwide development and commercialization rights to rusfertide. ​