Senior Director, Chemistry
Categories: Chemistry
Crinetics is a pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California that develops much-needed therapies for people with rare endocrine diseases. We were founded by a dedicated team of scientists with the simple belief that better therapies developed from rigorous innovation can lead to better lives. Our work continues to make a real difference in the lives of patients. We have a prolific discovery engine and robust pipeline across preclinical and clinical development. We are driven by science with a patient-centric and team-oriented culture. This is an exciting time to join Crinetics as we shape our organization into the world’s premier fully integrated endocrine company from discovery to patients. Come join our team as we transform the lives of others.
Position Summary:
The Senior Director will be responsible for contributing to the success of Crinetics’ growing drug discovery portfolio and report directly to the Vice President of Chemistry. This individual will lead projects, help identify new targets, and spearhead the design, synthesis, SAR, and ADME optimization of small-molecule drug candidates. They should be highly proficient and experienced in all stages of the drug-discovery process, with a proven track record of delivering drug candidates to the clinic.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
These may include but are not limited to:
- Lead teams in the design, synthesis, SAR and optimization of small-molecule drug candidates, from early hit identification through delivery of development candidates
- Troubleshoot problematic chemistry, both internally and outsourced
- Manage and grow multiple teams of outsourced chemists
- Efficiently steward chemistry / program resources and budgets
- Demonstrate scientific leadership and vision, and interdisciplinary expertise in drug discovery (including in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, ADME, PK/PD and toxicology), to design superior molecules and influence project strategy
- Lead several functional areas at a strategic level to ensure efficient and timely progression of multiple projects
- Set and achieve company goals, objectives, policies and values
- Leverage broad experience in leading, supervising and mentoring scientists at all levels across multiple projects and disciplines
- Organize, prepare, present and chair meetings from chemistry team level, through company cross-functional and board meetings
- Actively advocate and usher in new synthetic and medicinal chemistry strategies and technologies
- Collaborate with other Discovery, Development, and Clinical experts on the identification, validation, and execution of new targets and programs
- Draw upon scientific literary expertise to write internal reports, patents / IP and journal article submissions
- Contribute to an environment that promotes collaboration, teamwork, and innovation across disciplines
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry preferred, with 13+ years of relevant post-graduate experience and 10+ years of management experience
- Proven track record of complex molecule synthesis, knowledge of modern synthetic methodologies, and expertise and application of advanced principles of drug design and optimization
- Expert knowledge and experience in all stages of drug discovery, from target discovery through development
- Prolific patent/publication/presentation record, demonstrating creative thinking and consistent delivery
- Excellent written / oral communication skills; enthusiasm, integrity, self-motivation, leadership and teamwork abilities
- Responds well to scientific challenge and applies creativity and rigor to their work
- Expertise in chemistry and modelling software and databases
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Physical Activities: On a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; intermittently answer telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting up to 25 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.
Laboratory Activities (if applicable): Biology and chemical laboratory environment experience needed. Environmental health and safety requirements also apply.
Travel:
You may be required to travel for up to 5% of your time.
You may be required to travel for up to 5% of your time.
The Anticipated Base Salary Range: $225,000-$249,000
In addition to your base pay, our total rewards program consists of a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401k match. We also provide top-notch health insurance plans for employees (and their families) to include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown.
The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience and education. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Crinetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion or similar philosophical beliefs, disability, marital and civil union status, age, genetic information, veteran status or any personal attribute or characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state or federal laws
Vaccination requirement:
Following extensive monitoring, research, consideration of business implications, and advice from internal and external experts, Crinetics requires that all employees and contractors be fully vaccinated and have received the COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of employment. “Full vaccination” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks since a single-dose vaccine has been administered. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.
Following extensive monitoring, research, consideration of business implications, and advice from internal and external experts, Crinetics requires that all employees and contractors be fully vaccinated and have received the COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of employment. “Full vaccination” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks since a single-dose vaccine has been administered. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.