Head of Chemistry (Medicinal and Computational)

Head of Chemistry (Medicinal and Computational) Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Hybrid / Remote-Flexible) Role Type: Scientific Advisory (Phase 1) → Head of Chemistry (Phase 2) About the Venture We are a biotechnology startup based in the San Francisco Bay Area developing small molecules for treating aging-related diseases. Our founding team brings deep expertise in molecular biology, translational medicine, and early-stage company building. We are seeking a Head of Chemistry to serve as our founding team member. Progression Structure We are structuring this engagement in two phases: Phase 1 (Pre-Funding - Scientific Advisor): Upon a successful mutual fit, we will onboard you immediately under an Advisor Agreement. In this phase, your commitment will be minimal (3-5 hours/month), focused on strategy reviews and high-level workflow alignment as we prepare for investor pitches. You will receive competitive equity for this role. Phase 2 (Post-Funding - Head of Chemistry): Upon closing of our funding round, transition into a full-time compensated role (Head of Chemistry) with competitive base salary and equity stake. Key Responsibilities 1. In Silico Design Lead the Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycle, designing novel chemical matter with optimal potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties (ADMET/PK). Formulate clear Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) and Structure-Property Relationships (SPR) using structure-based and ligand-based drug design (SBDD/LBDD). Implement advanced computational workflows to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization. 2. CRO Operations Architect and oversee an outsourced synthetic chemistry footprint across premier global CROs. Direct multi-step organic synthesis. Review raw analytical data (NMR, HRMS, LC-MS, ICP-MS) and troubleshoot synthetic bottlenecks. Establish rigorous quality control standards. 3. Conjugate Architecture and Medicinal Chemistry Strategy Direct the Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycle for novel heterobifunctional conjugates. Establish Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) and Structure-Property Relationships (SPR). 4. IP and Commercial Leadership Partner with the CEO and patent counsel to evaluate and expand our Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs), ensuring robust synthetic enablement, defensible Markush structures, and long-term Freedom to Operate (FTO). Act as the chemical design authority in investor meetings, partnering discussions, and Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) presentations. Required Qualifications (Must-Have) Education: Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline. Domain Track Record: 8+ years of biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience. CRO Management: Proven track record of architecting, contracting, and driving synthetic chemistry CROs through challenging multi-step organic syntheses, route scouting, and compound delivery. Python proficiency: Advanced Ability to build custom pipelines using Python. Practical experience running Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations (e.g., GROMACS, Desmond, AMBER, OpenMM) to evaluate target-ligand binding kinetics, cryptic pockets, conformational flexibility, or other relevant applications. IP Cleanliness: Fully unencumbered by restrictive IP assignments, non-competes, or institutional conflicts of interest at the start of Phase 2 (paid role). Preferred Qualifications Prior experience as a founder, consultant, or early scientific employee in a Seed- or Series A-stage biotech. IP cleanliness unencumbered starting in Phase 1 (Advisory). Experience working with heterobifunctional molecules. Experience with Density Functional Theory (DFT) or quantum mechanical calculations. How to Apply Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter (under 300 words) summarizing, at a minimum, the items below. Since there is no field available on the application for the cover letter, please include it as the first page of your CV. Your approach for sourcing and managing external CROs and their multi-step organic synthesis. Affirmation of previous CRO management experience and Python proficiency. Confirmation of your IP cleanliness / freedom to advise.