Scientist/Sr. Scientist

Job Title : Scientist / Sr. Scientist

Location : San Diego

Background

RayzeBio is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. Launched in late 2020 and recently acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) as a wholly owned subsidiary, the company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes.

RayzeBio will operate as a standalone entity within the BMS organization, maintaining its biotech culture with the opportunity to leverage the best-in-class oncology capabilities of BMS.

RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. The lead asset, RYZ101, is in Phase 3 testing for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), as well as earlier stage testing for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and breast cancer.

Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals.

Job Description

The Scientist / Sr. Scientist will design and synthesize novel chemical constructs as potential new RPT therapies for cancer treatments.

The Scientist / Sr. Scientist will be a highly motivated and technically skilled synthetic organic, peptide or medicinal chemist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The role will offer an opportunity to work as functional lead on multiple projects ranging from target selection through candidate nomination stages and can be expected to lead early-stage projects in an interdisciplinary setting.

The role is highly technical and will need a person who enjoys leading from the bench with high productivity and data analysis skills and a comfort level in working under tight timelines.

The role requires an ability and willingness to work with radioactive isotopes.

Job Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design and synthesize novel peptide / small molecule compounds in support of SAR campaigns for pipeline projects.
• Contribute towards developing SAR on assigned projects, design and synthesize key target molecules to assess chemical / biological hypothesis.
• Independently plan and execute organic synthesis routes for complex molecules. Utilize modern purification and analytical tools to support synthesis and characterization of target compounds.
• Work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to provide needed chemistry support to guide programs through lead identification / optimization phases.
• Work closely with chemists, DMPK, imaging and in vitro / vivo teams to ensure that target compounds are generated in a timely manner to support the screening funnel.
• Contribute experimental efforts in support of target selection and initiation of new TRP projects.
• Keep abreast of the literature in the field of RPTs, identify novel concepts and ideas to help advance the state of art in RPT field.
• Contribute towards IP filings and drafting of publications, presentations.
• Routinely present research findings, project updates in interdisciplinary team settings.
• Adhere rigorously to safety guidelines, regulatory standards and company policies and ensure a safe working environment.
• Identify external partners, KOLs, outside expertise that will help advance the pipeline.
• Supervise the work of junior scientists and ensure experimental rigor and high quality.

Education and Experience

• PhD in synthetic organic, peptide or medicinal chemistry with 2+ years of post-PhD / postdoc experience or BS with 15+ years experience in Pharmaceutical / biotech R&D environments demonstrating successful accomplishments and productivity.
• Experience in working on targeted cancer therapy modalities such as RPTs, ADCs, PDCs is highly desirable.

Skills and Qualifications

• Well versed in modern synthetic organic / peptide / med chem principles and demonstrated track record of high productivity and achievements in the lab.
• High scientific curiosity and a learning mindset coupled with strong technical problem-solving skills and strong understanding of the concepts of drug design, SAR analysis, ADME / PK is important.
• The ability to share data and collaborate with cross functional team members is critical as is the ability to effectively interpret data and plan experiments without supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and effectively guide the work of junior scientists and demonstrated ability of productivity in an industrial drug discovery setting.
• Ability to work with radioisotopes with strict adherence to radiation safety protocols.

The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills and where the job is performed.

Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect and may include the following : Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care.

Employee assistance programs (EAP) and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance and supplemental health insurance.

Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown days between Christmas and New Year’s holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, and sick time off.

Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave. Other perks like tuition reimbursement.