Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
Kimia Therapeutics
Berkeley, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 23, 2025
Are you excited about joining a biotech startup poised to revolutionize small molecule drug discovery? At Kimia Therapeutics we are building a next-generation drug discovery engine by combining high-throughput chemistry and screening with state-of-the-art computational approaches to accelerate the discovery of novel drugs. We are looking for collaborative teammates who are motivated by our mission and values; by joining us, you will have the opportunity to play an impactful role in the growth and success of an emerging small molecule therapeutics company. This role will report directly to the VP of Medicinal Chemistry.
Job Summary
Kimia’s ATLAS platform enables the discovery & development of small molecule therapeutics in oncology and immunology. Screening hits that emerge from the platform are jumpstarting Kimia’s drug discovery programs. The Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, will work at the interface of the ATLAS platform and Medicinal Chemistry by advancing promising compounds into Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimization campaigns. The candidate is primarily responsible for analyzing SAR, following up independently with design and hands-on synthesis of analogs to further develop SAR via both the ATLAS platform and medicinal chemistry. The selected candidate is also responsible for interpreting and communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team. This role is highly collaborative and requires forming productive relationships in an interdisciplinary team. The role requires both synthetic work in the lab and management of a team of CRO chemists.
Responsibilities
- Design novel bioactive molecules to generate and drive SAR
- Apply medicinal chemistry principles to improve protein-ligand interactions, address ADME issues, and optimize DMPK properties
- Understand goals & strategies of the project, proactively develop innovative & practical chemistry
- Independently plan, initiate and efficiently execute the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules
- Sustain a high level of productivity in the lab delivering on team goals
- Analyze data, interpret, and communicate results as part of an internal multi-disciplinary team
- Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories related to synthetic organic chemistry, keep abreast of recent scientific developments, patents, and primary literature
- Prepare presentation materials, clearly communicate research results at meetings to the Chemistry Department and cross-functional teams
- Manage a team of CRO chemists incl. attending a weekly TC
- Participate in the development and writing of patent applications and scientific papers
- Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook according to corporate standards and SOPs
- Assume instrument stewardships (e.g. LCMS, NMR, Lyophilizer etc.
- Keep laboratory environment safe and well-organized, abiding by all regulatory guidelines
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, physicochemical properties of drug-like matter, ability to solve ADME and DMPK challenges
- Strong working knowledge of protein-ligand interactions, and conformational and structural analysis, experience in partnering closely with computational chemists utilizing computational tools, models, and visualization applications
- Broad range of organic chemistry knowledge
- Planning and performing complex multi-step organic syntheses, retro-synthetic analysis
- Extensive repertoire of classic and modern reactions including transition metal catalysis
- Strong communication skills, work ethic, enthusiasm, and self-starter mentality
- Creative problem solver in the face of synthesis and project difficulties
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team environment with rapidly changing priorities
- Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills
- Highly goal-driven and detail-oriented; commitment to continuous learning
- Record of achievement with peer-reviewed publications
- Bonus but not required: HTE and automation experience
Education and Experience
- Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry
- Postdoc is preferred
- 5+ years medicinal chemistry work experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry
- Management of medicinal chemistry teams and PhD-level direct reports
We offer a vibrant startup environment where every member of the Kimia team plays an important role in shaping our science and our culture. Kimia offers competitive pay, participation in our stock option plan, and comprehensive benefits. Kimia is proud to be equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment.
Note to External Recruiters: We are not accepting external resumes for this position. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place does not create any implied obligation.