Director, Peptide Chemistry

Reflexion Pharmaceuticals is developing an entirely new class of molecules to overcome limitations of biologics. While protein-based drugs, especially monoclonal antibodies, have changed the world, there remains significant unmet need due to the inherent properties of antibodies, including proteolytic instability, immunogenicity, and large size. Our therapies are designed to have comparable affinity and specificity to antibodies while being “invisible” to the human body. These attributes enable nearly complete proteolytic stability, greatly reduced immunogenicity, and reduced off-target toxicity. Due to their smaller size, our therapies may be delivered at a higher molar dose and may be able to penetrate tissues better than antibodies. We believe that Reflexion’s platform can generate therapies that are more efficacious and better tolerated than current biologics.

Reflexion Pharmaceuticals is looking for a highly motivated Director, Discovery Peptide Chemistry with strong peptide and medicinal chemistry expertise to help establish our Discovery Peptide Chemistry group. The successful candidate will guide the Discovery Peptide Chemistry team to build out Reflexion’s synthetic D-protein platform, and will be responsible for generating and executing synthesis strategy in the areas of peptide chemistry, linkers, drug and radio conjugates as well as the development and implementation of analytical methods. Responsibilities will include directing synthesis activities at external CDMOs along with the build out of internal synthesis and analytical infrastructure.

The Director, Discovery Peptide Chemistry will work closely with other scientific area heads, including the heads of Discovery Research, Nonclinical Development, Process Development and Regulatory.  This position will also interface with Manufacturing and Quality to transfer methods and data from the discovery setting to enable seamless process development, clinical supplies, scale-up and manufacturing.

The Director will be based in the Berkeley, CA and will report to the Chief Scientific Officer.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with senior management, define and execute Discovery Peptide Chemistry strategy, vision, and operation
• Manage the evaluation and management of external chemistry CDMO resources and activities
• Manage the build out of Reflexion’s internal peptide synthesis capacity, including the recruitment of technical staff, and the sourcing of space and equipment 
• Evaluate and implement novel, enabling discovery technology, including novel synthesis strategies and chemistries for drug discovery
• Develop IND-enabled analytical processes and analyses
• Communicate results and champion strategic vision to internal teams and senior management
• Help evaluation of in-/out-licensing opportunities

Qualifications:

• PhD in organic, synthetic, or medicinal chemistry 
• PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in medicinal chemistry programs in the pharmaceutical industry, with appropriate leadership experience, as well as a track record including at least 3 INDs, and ideally, 1-2 successful NDAs.
• Extensive experience in peptide drug discovery, synthesis, and optimization, including  hands-on experience with manual and automated systems for solid-phase peptide synthesis
• Track record in innovation and development of novel peptide drug candidates across several diseases and therapeutic areas; experience with linker chemistry, drug conjugates, and/or radiopharmaceuticals preferred
• Strong grasp of the standards and processes of analytical chemistry, along with experience developing investigative methods (especially for larger molecules)
• Experience sourcing, evaluating, and managing external CDMOs
• Strong track record in IP creation, patents, and peer-reviewed publications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to present data clearly in a group setting
• Strong team player, sense of humility, big heart

Reflexion Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
 

Application Materials:
To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter. The cover letter should uniquely describe yourself and your career motivations.  Tell us how your research experience and interests align with Reflexion’s mission of developing novel human therapeutics and the current opening.

Exceptional candidates will be contacted for further interviews and will be expected to deliver a scientific presentation through Zoom or other meeting platform.