Senior Research Associate, Medicinal Chemistry
Pliant Therapeutics
Pliant Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies for fibrotic diseases. Founded by Third Rock Ventures with world-renowned academic thought leaders, Pliant is raising the bar to meet the unmet medical needs of physicians, patients and families impacted by fibrotic diseases. As the leader in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrotic diseases, Pliant is developing small molecule drug candidates specifically designed to impact the fibrotic process.
The Company’s lead product candidate, bexotegrast (PLN-74809), is an oral small molecule, selective inhibitor of the αvβ1 and αvβ6 integrins that play a key role in multiple fibrotic pathways. Bexotegrast has received Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency in IPF and PSC. Pliant is currently conducting BEACON-IPF, a Phase 2b/3 trial of bexotegrast for the treatment of IPF.
Pliant is conducting a Phase 1 study for its third clinical program, PLN-101095, a small molecule, dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins, that is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. The Company also has discovery and development programs in oncology and muscular dystrophies.
Description
Pliant is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry to join our medicinal chemistry team in the pursuit of novel small molecules to treat fibrotic disease. The successful candidate will contribute to the design and synthesis of novel chemical entities optimized for potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties pharmacokinetics and in vivo efficacy. Successful candidates will also be seasoned synthetic organic chemists, have a passion for learning medicinal chemistry, work effectively in the laboratory with minimal supervision, and have a demonstrated record of collaborative teamwork.
This is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days/week at Pliant (South San Francisco).
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute the synthesis, purification, and characterization of complex small molecules.
- Propose new compounds for synthesis based on synthetic knowledge, structure-activity relationships, and physicochemical and drug-like properties.
- Utilize scientific literature and databases such as SciFinder to design and implement efficient synthetic routes.
- Summarize/interpret results and present key findings in research meetings.
- Serve as a chemistry laboratory leader and mentor to junior associates.
- Contribute to exploratory research and collaborate closely with colleagues in chemistry and other groups.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.
- BS in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant experience in synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry with potential to learn and adapt in a fast-moving environment, or MS with 2+ years of experience.
- Demonstrated experience in organic synthesis, chromatographic purification methods, and compound characterization using modern analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc.).
- Organized, detail-oriented, excellent record-keeping skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and perform well in a team environment
- Understanding of medicinal chemistry concepts.
Pliant requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated prior to the first date of employment (subject to any legally required exemptions).
The annual base salary for this role is $115K – $120K. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.
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