Lead Scientist, Proximity-Based Drug Discovery

St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 138,320 - 262,080; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks a Principal Scientist to direct the Chemical Induced Proximity Center within the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics.

You will lead drug discovery programs, set strategy, and mentor scientists in a collaborative environment. The role requires guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing PROTACs and other bifunctional modulators, and shaping publication and patent activity while partnering with global CROs and internal ADMET/DMPK

Qualifications

• PhD with management experience preferred; doctoral degree if required.
• Experience in drug discovery in Pharma/Biotech industry highly preferred.
• Experience with computational design or AI/ML preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs.
• Lead and manage a team of scientists and large-scale multidisciplinary projects.
• Recruit, grow, guide, and mentor junior staff.
• Stay at the forefront of induced proximity platforms (PROTACs, molecular glues).
• Lead CROs and external chemistry partners worldwide.
• Oversee SAR studies to improve potency and drug-like properties.

Skills

Drug discovery experience

Computational design / AI-ML

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area

PhD

Job description

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks a Principal Scientist to direct the Chemical Induced Proximity Center within the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics.

You will lead drug discovery programs, set strategy, and mentor scientists in a collaborative environment. The role requires guiding multidisciplinary teams, advancing PROTACs and other bifunctional modulators, and shaping publication and patent activity while partnering with global CROs and internal ADMET/DMPK