Director/Vice President, Peptide Chemistry

Director (up to Vice President), Peptide Chemistry

• San Diego, CA
• TC: $220,000-+$300,000 + Competitive Benefits and Equity Package
• Peptide Chemistry + Metabolic Disease Research

A cutting-edge, clinical-stage biotech company at the forefront of metabolic and rare disease therapeutics is seeking a seasoned biotech veteran with a depth of expertise in peptide chemistry to serve as a Director(up to Vice President) of Peptide Chemistry Research. Within this role, the individual will steward programs from discovery research to supporting ongoing clinical trials of potential best-in-class therapeutics. This individual will be reporting directly into a Senior Vice President and will be a crucial member of the senior leadership team.

Purpose of the Role:

The Director/Vice President of Peptide Chemistry will lead the peptide chemistry division, focusing on the design, synthesis, and optimization of peptide drugs to advance the company’s pipeline in treating metabolic disorders and rare diseases. Further, this individual will work closely with CROs/vendors for not only discovery research projects but also clinical-stage programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Lead a team of chemists and researchers in the design and synthesis of novel peptides.
• Develop strategic plans for peptide therapeutics, aligning with the company’s overall R&D objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and clinical development, to integrate peptide chemistry efforts with broader research and development goals.

Research and Development:

• Oversee the development of new synthetic methods and technologies for peptide production.
• Ensure the application of best practices in peptide modification, conjugation, and stabilization to improve drug properties such as potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics.
• Manage the scale-up of peptide synthesis processes from research to clinical production.

Clinical Development Support:

• Work closely with the clinical development team to provide scientific expertise and support for peptide-based programs entering clinical trials.
• Contribute to the preparation of IND applications, regulatory submissions, and other documentation necessary for clinical trials.

Innovation and Improvement:

• Stay abreast of latest advancements in peptide chemistry and related fields.
• Encourage innovation and intellectual property creation within the team.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or methodologies that can enhance peptide drug discovery and development processes.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Build and maintain relationships with academic, industry, and research partners.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with a strong focus on peptide chemistry.
• Extensive experience in peptide drug discovery and development, including hands-on experience in peptide synthesis and modification.
• Proven track record of leadership and team management in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory landscape for drug development, particularly for peptide-based therapies.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex scientific data to diverse audiences.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in metabolic disorders and/or rare disease therapeutic areas.
• Familiarity with GLP and GMP guidelines as they relate to peptide synthesis and production.
• Publications and patents in peptide chemistry or related fields.