Director - Protein Sciences

Director - Protein Sciences

Company Description:

Think Bioscience is reimagining synthetic biology by using living systems to guide the design and assembly of better medicines. Our unique platform combines applied microbiology, enzymology, and data science to develop small-molecule therapeutics against elusive targets.

We are passionate about improving the lives of patients with innovative science. Our success relies on an exceptional team. If you share our passion, let’s work together.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Director of Biochemistry to lead our research efforts in enzymology, HTS, biophysics, and structural biology, broadly defined. As the leader of our biochemistry research group, you will play a critical role in driving the discovery and optimization of novel small-molecule drug candidates. Your expertise in enzyme mechanism, biochemical kinetics, and advanced biophysical methods will be instrumental in shaping our internal pipeline and advancing small molecule drug discovery programs to the clinic.

Responsibilities:

Oversee the design and implementation of robust enzyme assays to characterize small-molecule modulators, and develop screening workflows to support pipeline programs.

Oversee the characterization of protein-small molecule interactions using advanced biophysical methods and biochemical assays to support lead selection and optimization.

Oversee the expression and purification of recombinant proteins for biochemical analyses and structural biology.

Oversee high-throughput screening approaches to identify small-molecule modulators.

Oversee the structural biology efforts to identify compound binding sites and to determine high-resolution structures of target proteins and their complexes with small molecules.

Collaborate with medicinal chemists and computational biologists to optimize small-molecule leads based on the understanding of protein structure-activity relationships.

Analyze and interpret experimental data, present findings to the leadership team, and make data-driven decisions to advance drug discovery projects.

Lead and mentor a team of scientists, providing scientific guidance, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.

Build and manage external relationships with CROs.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including computational biology, pharmacology, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), to drive integrated drug discovery projects.

Necessary Qualifications:

Ph.D. with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience or a B.S. or M.S. and at least 15 years of experience.

Successful track record driving drug discovery programs forward by leading protein biochemistry, biophysics, protein mechanism of action, and structure/function studies.

Deep understanding of the structure/function and enzymology of phosphatases and kinases.

Experience leveraging structural biology to enable small molecule discovery programs.

Experience leading and coordinating research teams (external academic, CRO, internal) working concurrently on multiple projects.

Adaptability and flexibility to work in a dynamic startup environment.

What We Offer:

A collaborative environment for innovative science and a mission-driven company.

Opportunity for technical expansion and professional growth.

Ability to influence key decisions in a fast-growing startup.

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a salary range of $130,000 - $190,000 per year (salary commensurate with experience) and stock options for a fast-growing startup company.

Think Bioscience is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.

Full-Time