Scientist 3, Peptide Platform Innovation and Medicinal Chemistry

The Opportunity

The department of Peptide Therapeutics is looking for a bench scientist to drive exciting technology development initiatives, including the conceptualization and implementation of molecular design strategies that enable stimuli-responsiveness of peptide ligands (e.g. pH, enzymes, redox), and the polycyclization of displayed peptides using orthogonal chemistries to improve drug-like properties during the early discovery process. These technologies will enable ongoing and future portfolio efforts within the department, and can be applied towards the discovery and development of peptides as drug leads or tissue-selective targeting ligands.

Who You Are

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished individual holding a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Biology, with relevant post-Ph.D. experiences that demonstrates a sustained track record of innovation for translatable projects. While a Ph.D. in Biochemistry or a related engineering discipline (e.g. Biomedical, Chemical) is also acceptable, the candidate must provide evidence of having extensively applied chemical principles to solve complex problems in biology.

Essential Technical Proficiencies

• Broad Chemistry Experiences: Extensive, hands-on experience with a broad range of solution-phase and solid-phase chemistries, extending significantly beyond standard SPPS.

• Computational Modeling of Ligand-Protein Interactions: Proficiency in using industry-standard computational software packages (such as MOE, Schrodinger Suite, or similar) to perform molecular modeling, ligand docking, and analysis of ligand-protein interactions. The ability to interpret modeling data and use it to inform and guide rational peptide design is critical.

• Assay Development and Troubleshooting: Experience in the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of biochemical and biophysical assays. This requires a deep mechanistic understanding and goes beyond merely executing standard protocols or commercial kits.

Beyond these specific technical skills, the successful candidate must be adept at mastering new techniques and instrumentation, and possess strong analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

While the above qualifications are essential, candidates possessing one or more of the following preferred experiences will be highly competitive:

• Industry Experience: Prior experience working in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting, understanding the demands and timelines of a drug discovery and development environment.

• Peptide/Protein Sciences Expertise: Deep knowledge and practical experience within the broader field of peptide and protein sciences.

• Stimuli-Responsive Systems: Direct experience in the design, synthesis, and functional validation of stimuli-responsive ligands, activatable probes, or peptide prodrug systems.

• Peptide Display Technologies: Practical experience with common peptide display technologies (e.g. phage display, mRNA display, yeast display).

• Drug Delivery Knowledge: Experience with (or at least a strong, demonstrated interest in) the challenges and solutions associated with improving the systemic and localized delivery of peptide therapeutics.

Relocation benefits are available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $103,400 - $192,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

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Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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