PhD in organic/peptide/medicinal chemistry with 12+ years of drug discovery experience in biotech or pharma.
Proven track record of delivering peptide drug candidates to clinical development.
Strong working knowledge of peptide library synthesis and scaling up lead molecules.
Expertise in synthesizing non-canonical amino acids.
Deep understanding of formulation excipients for enhancing oral bioavailability of peptide candidates.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong record-keeping capabilities.
Adaptable and self-motivated, with a knack for identifying challenges and pivoting in fast-paced settings.
Responsibilities
Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in peptide drug discovery for Calico's pipeline.
Collaborate with leaders in Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Machine Learning, and other functions for integrated project success.
Serve as the primary liaison to the ML team to align chemical insights with algorithm design.
Lead and mentor the peptide chemistry team for cutting-edge discoveries.
Oversee external CROs supporting peptide chemistry and formulation efforts.
Contribute to global regulatory submissions like INDs and NDAs.
Represent Calico in external scientific collaborations and committees.
Benefits
Opportunity to lead and shape a pioneering peptide drug discovery team.
Collaborative work environment with diverse and innovative scientists.
Engagement in cutting-edge peptide drug development projects.
Participation in significant scientific collaborations and regulatory submissions.
Full Job Description
Position Description:
Calico is seeking an accomplished and motivated individual to lead peptide drug discovery efforts as Head of Peptide Drug Discovery within the Calico Drug Discovery organization. This leader will collaborate with innovative and diverse scientists and play a pivotal role in advancing Calico's Preclinical pipeline to deliver oral peptide drug candidates to our development portfolio. The ideal candidate will leverage deep and proven expertise in the lead optimization of oral peptide drug candidates, provide leadership for discovery and development stage projects, and be an effective people leader capable of attracting key talent and developing our internal team of peptide drug discovery scientists.
Responsibilities:
Act as a peptide drug discovery Subject Matter Expert (SME) to deliver peptide Drug Candidates for the Calico pipeline
Be a strong and collaborative partner with leaders of the Calico Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Machine Learning Platform, Discovery Technologies, Research, CMC, DMPK, Toxicology and Clinical Development functions
Bridge Computation & Chemistry: Serve as the primary technical liaison and advisor to the ML team, ensuring chemical intuition effectively informs algorithmic design and vice versa
Provide leadership, mentorship, and development of the existing peptide chemistry team to achieve a cutting-edge peptide drug discovery group
Maintain oversight of external CROs to support chemistry, formulation, and DMPK for peptide drug discovery
Contribute to global regulatory submissions (e.g., IBs, Briefing Books, INDs, NDAs)
Represent Calico in external scientific collaborations, committees, and consortia in the field of peptide drug discovery
Position Requirements:
PhD in organic/peptide/medicinal chemistry with 12+ years of drug discovery experience in biotech or pharma
Proven track record of successfully delivering peptide drug candidates that have achieved preclinical candidate nomination and progressed into clinical development
Effective communication with ML-peptide design team to deliver prioritized design concepts through strong collaboration
Strong working knowledge of the synthesis of peptide libraries and the scale-up of peptide lead molecules
Strong organic chemistry skills to direct the synthesis of non-canonical amino acids
Deep knowledge in the use of formulation excipients to enhance oral bioavailability of peptide drug candidates
Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and highly adaptable with the ability to quickly identify project challenges and pivot strategies in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional oral communication and writing skills, with record-keeping and data organization skills
Must be willing to work onsite 5 days a week
Nice to Have:
Experience with evaluation of AI/ML generated peptides in Hit Generation-Lead Optimization
The estimated base salary range for this role is $320,000 - $350,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.
