Head/Director of Chemistry

Life Science People has partnered with a groundbreaking client currently moving through stealth mode. Leveraging a significant Series A, this venture is spearheading a committed to transforming high-confidence, genetically validated targets into tangible therapeutic solutions. With a focus on 'difficult to drug' domains and leveraging genome editing, our mission centers on filling the gaps in critical care areas.

Position Overview: Head (Director) of Chemistry

The Essence of Your Role:

You're the captain of our chemical biology and analytical ship, guiding it from the early stage of Research to the Preclinical Development. This role spans the oversight of guideRNA synthesis, medicinal and linker chemistry, orchestrating a team that's both in-house, CROs, and FTEs. You're not just part of the strategy; you're the visionary behind it, sculpting the path our gene editing platform will take to achieve efficient in vivo efforts.

Your Mission:

Leadership: Pilot our internal team, instilling a culture of innovation, precision, and scientific excellence.

Strategy and Oversight: Command the synthesis, purification, and characterization of guideRNAs, compounds, and linkers.

In Vivo Delivery: Spearhead development and fine-tuning of our RNP-based platform for targeted delivery.

Collaboration and Management: Be the nexus between CROs, FTEs, and cross-functional units, ensuring the wheel turns smoothly towards our collective goals.

Scientific Strategy: Keep the compass aligned with the latest industry breakthroughs, ensuring our trajectory remains on the cutting edge.

What We Require:

Educational Pedigree: PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with a lens on synthetic organic Chemistry or medicinal chemistry.

Experience: Minimum 5 years in industry, leading chemistry-focused teams and initiatives within the biotech or pharmaceutical arenas.

Expertise: A deep-seated knowledge in crafting modified oligonucleic acids for in vivo delivery, alongside a rich history of managing both CROs and FTEs.

Leadership & Communication: Exceptional ability to lead, inspire, and communicate, turning complex scientific narratives into compelling stories for a broad audience.

Strategic Mindset: Innate problem-solving skills with an adaptability that thrives in the startup ecosystem.

If you're driven by the prospect of steering groundbreaking research that could redefine human health, I want to hear from you.