Lead Scientist in Chemical Biology

1 week ago


San Francisco, California, United States The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Full time

Position Title: Principal Scientist/Director, Chemical Biology

Job Overview

General Proximity is an innovative startup at the forefront of developing advanced induced-proximity therapeutics. Our proprietary OmniTAC drug discovery platform generates molecules that leverage existing cellular mechanisms to address therapeutic challenges that have historically been difficult to tackle.

We are in search of skilled chemical biologists to join us in this groundbreaking journey of drug discovery.

Company Background

The quest for effective drug development often encounters obstacles when targeting complex or "undruggable" proteins. These disease-related proteins can exhibit dysfunction in various ways, yet our therapeutic options remain limited. Traditional drug mechanisms predominantly focus on inhibition, leaving numerous potential intervention strategies unexplored.

General Proximity is pioneering a novel approach to drug discovery, creating bifunctional agents that facilitate the modification of drug targets through existing cellular processes, rather than relying solely on direct drug modulation.

Historically, the emergence of technologies that enable novel biological interventions has proven to be a rich source for new therapeutic discoveries, and we believe our technology has similar potential.

Role Responsibilities

We are looking for an accomplished chemical biologist to become a foundational member of our Platform/Drug Discovery Team. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our Biology Team to advance our core drug discovery technology and develop a unique class of therapeutics.

Your key responsibilities will encompass:

  • Overseeing synthetic operations with our contract research organizations (CROs).
  • Designing and executing both low and high-throughput screening assays.
  • Managing compound libraries and conducting mechanistic studies on lead compounds.
  • Leading exploratory efforts into new therapeutic areas.

Candidate Profile

Proactive Attitude: We value initiative, independence, and a strong sense of accountability.

Passionate Engagement: We appreciate individuals who are genuinely enthusiastic about their work and contribute to a vibrant team atmosphere.

Resilience and Determination: The challenges of early-stage startups and drug discovery require individuals who can persist through complex problems, supported by a collaborative team.

Commitment to Purpose: Our mission is to develop life-saving therapies for patients in need, and we seek candidates who share this vision.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

  • PhD in Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
  • Proven experience in leading and managing high-performing teams within the industry.
  • In-depth knowledge of small-molecule drug discovery and its implications for human health.
  • Extensive experience in:
    • Hit identification and hit-to-lead optimization.
    • High-throughput screening (HTS) and phenotypic assay development.
    • Small molecule binding affinity assessments.
    • Protein-protein interaction (PPI) methodologies, such as BRET, APEX/BioID, and AlphaScreen.
  • Expertise in:
    • Platform development.
    • Compound management.
    • Disease model creation.
    • Biochemical assay design.
  • Desirable Skills:
    • Experience in proteomics, including post-translational modification analysis and chemo-proteomic target deconvolution.
    • Familiarity with PROTAC and next-generation induced proximity technologies.
    • Knowledge of biophysical screening techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or fluorescence anisotropy.
    • Experience with DNA-encoded libraries (DEL).
    • Background in medicinal chemistry optimizations, including structure-activity relationship (SAR) and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD).
    • Computational drug discovery experience.
    • Prior involvement in teams that have successfully transitioned research to clinical applications.

Employee Benefits

  • Competitive equity incentives, reflecting our commitment to shared ownership and project advancement.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a One Medical membership.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plans.
  • Programs supporting education and health/fitness initiatives.
  • Opportunities for meditation retreats, allowing for personal growth without impacting vacation time.
  • A reading budget for professional development through literature.
  • Located in a collaborative entrepreneurial environment with access to leading scientists and operators.

Company Culture

Work-Life Balance: We prioritize efficient work practices, minimizing unnecessary meetings and respecting personal time.

Effective Communication: We favor clear written communication over presentations and prioritize regular one-on-one interactions over infrequent reviews.

Writing-Centric Approach: Our culture emphasizes the importance of clear documentation, fostering transparency and alignment across the organization.

Opportunities for Growth: As a startup, we encourage scientists to embrace diverse roles and responsibilities, facilitating personal and professional development.

We welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented minorities. We look forward to your interest in joining our mission.



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