Job Description

DiCE Molecules is focused on the development of DNA-programmed chemical synthesis and its application to drug discovery.  Our innovative platform unites combinatorial chemical synthesis of drug-like molecules with the power of directed evolution to identify and optimize hits and leads to difficult pharmaceutical targets.

We seek an exceptional Senior Scientist or Associate Director with a strong background in biochemical and cell-based assay science.  The candidate will lead and direct the activities of a Ph.D. bench scientist.  Key responsibilities include skilled management of an initially small team, with the ability to grow that team, as well as creative scientific leadership of the team’s research.   Additional responsibilities will include organization and leadership of ongoing in-house research and managing activities at both external CROs and corporate partners.  Independent management of resources as well as evaluation of risks and opportunities are essential.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to communicate progress, challenges, resource requirements and strategic alternatives.

Essential Attributes:

• Highest integrity; committed to ethics and scientific standards;
• Demonstrated leadership and track record of being able to lead teams to successful achievement of project goals;
• Demonstrated ability to execute hands on laboratory work and desire to continue contributing at the bench in this role;
• Exceptional scientific thinker, ability to drive innovation and creative thinking;
• Flexible, resilient and able to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with and influence others at all levels; willing to take a stand on issues deemed to be important;
• Excellent communication skills; oral and written;
• Excellent organizational skills; familiarity with Dotmatics or equivalent a plus;
• Able to represent and negotiate on behalf of the Assay Science team with DiCE management and with external partners;
• Responsible for hiring, developing, and retaining great scientific talent;
• Ability to identify and manage external consultants to fill knowledge gaps in the organization.

Preferred Experience:

Generally 10+ years of work experience in a research and/or drug discovery environment, including 5+ years of successful management/successful leadership.

Preferred Education:

• PhD degree in biochemstry or relevant biological science. Exceptional candidates with a B.S. or M.S. in a relevant discipline AND >10 years of industry experience will be considered.

DiCE Molecules is focused on the development of DNA-programmed chemical synthesis and its application to drug discovery.  Our innovative platform unites the power of directed evolution with organic synthesis to identify and optimize hits against challenging pharmaceutical targets.

We seek an exceptional Scientist II or Senior Scientist with a strong background in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry and/or combinatorial chemistry.  The candidate’s primary responsibilities will include development and execution of chemistry strategy for DiCE’s research programs including development of DNA-compatible synthetic chemistry, library design, and progression of emerging hits into lead optimization.  In addition to providing strong scientific leadership, the successful candidate will be responsible for organizing internal and external resources and collaborating across disciplines to ensure efficient research progress.  The preferred candidate will have a demonstrated track record of scientific success in a multidisciplinary environment.   An active laboratory program will be a key component of the role.

Key Skills Required:

• Highest integrity; committed to ethics and scientific standards
• Synthetic organic chemistry and analytical techniques such as HPLC and LCMS
• Experience in drug design and optimization; experience with chemoinformatics preferred
• Exceptional scientific thinker, ability to drive innovation and creative thinking
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with and influence others at all levels
• Team player; comfortable and effective in a collaborative research environment
• Commitment to ensuring laboratory safety

Education and Experience:

A PhD in organic chemistry with 5-10 years of industry experience is preferred.  Exceptional candidates with fewer years of industrial experience will be considered.