Associate Director / Director Medicinal Chemist

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with an experienced cross-functional team, external CRO, and key leaders of the field to advance small molecules targeting RNA for multiple indications. The candidate will be a core contributor to new and/or existing portfolio programs, driving and/or contributing to key work exploring mechanism of action, therapeutic strategies, and pharmacodynamic responses in preclinical models. Contributing to the innovative, open, and supportive culture at Skyhawk, the candidate will be part of a dynamic team focused on delivering transformative therapies to patients. The title of the position will be determined based on the level of experience and expertise.

Your primary responsibilities include:

• Act as a leading scientist on one or more discovery research projects with the ability to drive conclusive results.

• Leverage expertise in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry to drive SAR optimization cycle to further pipeline goals.

• Effectively manage work conducted at global CROs.

• Participation in scientific review and assessment of potential new and/or existing programs.

• Review and monitor publications, articles and abstracts.

• Summarize/report data, generate presentation and documentation materials, and present work at meetings.

• Participate in multi-disciplinary project team meetings and serve as the key Discovery Chemistry representative for defined programs.

• Work cross-functionally with the Biology, Chemistry, Preclinical Development, and Platform teams to meet ambitious program and company goals.

• Be a role model for Skyhawk’s culture and values.

Your required experience and skills are:

• Doctoral degree in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with deep knowledge of synthetic chemistry.

• Postdoctoral and pharmaceutical or biotech industry experience , with minimally 5 years experience.

• A track record of successful progression of drug development programs from hit to lead to development candidates.

• A track record of scientific productivity as documented by publication in peer-reviewed journals and patent applications.

• Deep knowledge in medicinal chemistry principles, SAR, pharmacokinetics (PK/ADME), in-silico assessment and their application to molecule design.

• Experience with leading CROs.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Excellent interpersonal and team skills; track record of success collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Ability to think critically, make timely decisions, and manage deadlines. Excellent planning and organizing skills, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and set priorities.