Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry – Peptide Drug Design

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Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry – Peptide Drug Design

Level: Senior Scientist to Associate Director | ByteDance 3-1 / 3-2 Equivalent
Location: Flexible – United States or China

About Our Client
Our Client is a clinical-stage biotech company redefining peptide therapeutics through the integration of AI-driven design, novel chemistry, and translational biology. Backed by [top-tier investors/partners], we are advancing a pipeline of First-in-Class (FIC) programs targeting [oncology, metabolic, immunology — insert TAs] with high unmet need.

We combine the scientific rigor of Big Pharma with the speed and ownership of a startup. Our team is distributed across the US and China, united by one goal: deliver breakthrough medicines to patients, faster.

The Role
We are seeking a Senior or Principal Scientist / Associate Director in Medicinal Chemistry to lead peptide drug discovery from concept to candidate. You will own the chemistry strategy for FIC programs and work shoulder-to-shoulder with computational, biology, and translational teams to compress timelines from idea to IND.

What You'll Own

• Lead design and optimization of First-in-Class peptide therapeutics against novel, high-value targets
• Drive SAR campaigns across macrocycles, stapled peptides, peptide-drug conjugates, and oral bioavailable peptides
• Partner with AI/ML, CADD, structural biology, DMPK, and pharmacology to run rapid design-make-test cycles
• Advance programs through hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies
• Represent Medicinal Chemistry on core project teams and mentor junior scientists

What You Bring

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field
• 8+ years industry experience at major U.S. pharmaceutical companies, with peptides/proteins taken to IND/clinic
• Startup experience: Thrive in agile, ambiguous environments with high ownership and urgency
• ByteDance Level 3-1 to 3-2 equivalent — Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, or Associate Director scope
• Deep expertise in peptide design: non-canonical amino acids, cyclization, conjugation, SBDD, and peptide property optimization
• Proven FIC track record: Invented novel mechanisms of action and advanced them into development

Why Join Our Client

• Real shots on goal: Work on FIC programs with line of sight to patients
• Speed + Resources: Startup velocity, backed to move programs to the clinic
• Global + Flexible: Base in US or China, collaborate with world-class talent
• Top-tier package: Competitive comp, significant equity, and comprehensive benefits