About this role
Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel integrin-based therapeutics for solid tumors and other diseases. Founded by renowned UCSF researchers, the company leverages a proprietary library of over 15,000 integrins. The Senior Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry reports to the SVP of Research and plays a key role in advancing the pipeline through integrin biology and targeted delivery strategies.
This role involves designing and driving medicinal chemistry strategies for integrin-targeted therapeutics and delivery-enabled small molecules. Utilize Structure-Activity Relationships to prioritize hypotheses and guide external synthesis efforts. Evaluate complex datasets to translate findings into actionable design decisions for optimized drug candidates.
Collaborate closely with biology, structural biology, DMPK, and translational teams to integrate insights into compound design and program strategy. Prioritize multiple tasks to meet timelines while maintaining high-quality documentation. Present data and strategy to internal teams and senior leadership in a fast-paced research environment.
Contribute to intellectual property strategy and foster a collaborative, innovative research culture. Leverage deep expertise to progress compounds towards development, building on Phase 1 studies like PLN-101095 for immune checkpoint resistant solid tumors. Join a team advancing integrin-mediated tissue-specific delivery mechanisms across multiple disease areas.
Requirements
- PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline
- 4+ years of relevant industry experience
- Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry with demonstrated ability to guide compound design and interpret SAR
- Proven ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced research environment
- Demonstrated track record of progressing compounds towards development
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills with ability to manage competing priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Responsibilities
- Design and drive medicinal chemistry strategies for integrin-targeted therapeutics and delivery-enabled small molecules
- Utilize Structure-Activity Relationships to prioritize hypotheses, set design criteria, and guide external synthesis efforts
- Evaluate and interpret complex datasets and translate findings into clear, actionable design decisions
- Collaborate closely with biology, structural biology, DMPK, and translational teams to integrate insights into compound design
- Prioritize and manage multiple tasks to ensure timelines and deliverables are met
- Maintain high-quality documentation and data management practices
- Present data and strategy clearly to internal teams and senior leadership
- Contribute to intellectual property strategy and filings
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