About this role
Pliant Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel integrin-based therapeutics for solid tumors and other diseases. The Senior Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry reports to the SVP of Research and brings deep expertise to advance a pipeline enabled by integrin biology. This role leads design and optimization of drug candidates leveraging integrin-mediated targeted delivery.
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 to translate findings into actionable design decisions.
Collaborate closely with biology, structural biology, DMPK, and translational teams to integrate insights into compound design and program strategy. Prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced research environment. Maintain high-quality documentation and present data clearly to internal teams and senior leadership.
Contribute to intellectual property strategy and filings while fostering a collaborative, innovative research culture. Leverage a proprietary library of over 15,000 integrins applicable across multiple disease areas. Progress compounds towards development in Pliant's Phase 1 clinical programs.
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, interpret SAR, and apply physicochemical and structural insights leading to optimized drug candidates
- 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 the 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 and program strategy
- 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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