Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

IDEAYA Biosciences; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 167,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences in South San Francisco is seeking a Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry to oversee discovery analytical work on site four days per week. You will collaborate with medicinal chemistry and cross-functional teams to drive drug discovery pipeline goals and ensure analytical rigor.

The role requires a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry with 5+ years in drug discovery, expertise in HPLC/SFC, method development, and CRO oversight.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related field with 5+ years in drug discovery.
• Expertise in HPLC and SFC purification.
• Analytical method development/validation and CRO management.
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee small molecule analytical chemistry efforts across the IDEAYA discovery portfolio.
• Manage and execute compound purifications (including chiral SFC separations), structural elucidations, biophysical property determinations (solubility, logD, pKa) and stability studies.
• Manage junior analytical chemist(s) to achieve strong productivity with high quality and scientific rigor.
• Ensure existing methods are technically sound, well developed and fit-for-purpose.
• Troubleshoot methods and provide technical guidance across discovery programs.
• Manage installation and maintenance of lab analytical equipment.
• Perform vendor review and selection and provide oversight of all analytical work at external CROs.
• Proactively communicate with and work closely with other functions to align analytical strategy and goals.
• Help hire high-caliber analytical chemists to build a world-class department.
• Stay aware of emerging techniques and bring new capabilities online as necessary.

Job description

Non-Solicitation Policy And Notice To Agencies And Recruiters

IDEAYA's Non-Solicitation Policy strictly prohibits agencies and recruiters from any contact and communication with IDEAYA employees, managers, and leaders to submit unsolicited candidate resumes and/or to solicit business partnerships. Submission of unsolicited candidate resumes by agencies or recruiters with or without a contract in place with IDEAYA Biosciences Inc. will not create any implied obligation. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disqualification from current and future business opportunities with IDEAYA Biosciences.

All recruiting and talent agency decisions are strictly managed by the internal IDEAYA Human Resources function. All communication by external agencies and recruiters must be directed to [e-mail]. We ask that you only email your interest once.

Job Summary

About IDEAYA Biosciences: IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, structural biology and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first-in‑class, targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease. We have built a deep pipeline of product candidates focused on synthetic lethality and antibody‑drug conjugates, or ADCs, for molecularly defined solid tumor indications. Our mission is to bring forth the next wave of precision oncology therapies that are more selective, more effective, and deeply personalized to alter the course of disease and improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer.

Location: South San Francisco, CA.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual with significant pharmaceutical industry experience to join our multidisciplinary team and help oversee all aspects of discovery analytical work. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with medicinal chemistry and related cross‑functional teams to successfully deliver drug discovery pipeline goals. This position is based in our South San Francisco headquarters and is required to be onsite four days per week in accordance with our company policy. Reporting to: Vice President, Medicinal Chemistry.

What you’ll do

• Oversee small molecule analytical chemistry efforts across the IDEAYA discovery portfolio.
• Manage and execute compound purifications (including chiral SFC separations), structural elucidations, biophysical property determinations (such as solubility, logD, and pKa determinations), and stability studies.
• Manage junior analytical chemist(s) to achieve strong productivity with high quality and scientific rigor.
• Ensure existing methods are technically sound, well developed and fit‑for‑purpose.
• Troubleshoot methods and provide technical guidance across discovery programs.
• Manage installation and maintenance of lab analytical equipment.
• Perform vendor review and selection and provide oversight of all analytical work at external CROs.
• Proactively communicate with and work closely with other functions to help align analytical strategy and achieve goals.
• Help hire high‑caliber analytical chemists as needed to build and grow a world‑class analytical department.
• Stay aware of newly emerging techniques and technologies and bring new capabilities online as necessary.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline with minimum of five years of drug discovery experience and demonstrated ability operating successfully within cross‑functional groups.
• Strong subject matter expertise in small molecule purification (both HPLC and SFC essential), physicochemical analysis, analytical method development/validation, and CRO management is essential.
• Additional experience with small molecule structural elucidation techniques is preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to quickly adapt and shift focus as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within project teams.
• Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced dynamic environment while demonstrating a calm and positive attitude and a superior work ethic.
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior level associates and/or scientists, including direct reports or supporting team members.

All employees are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including IDEAYA’s Code of Conduct. Employees must demonstrate good judgement and ethical behavior in all business activities, maintain patient and product safety as a top priority, and report any suspected violations of law or company policy through appropriate channels.

Total Rewards

Along with our inspiring mission and highly collaborative and inclusive environment, IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects our pay‑for‑performance philosophy. Employees are eligible to be considered for merit‑based salary increases, company discretionary short‑term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval). Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but is not limited to, medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents), 401(k), ESPP, and wellness programs.

The expected salary range for the role of Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry is $167,000 - $206,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors that may include but are not limited to the office location, the candidate’s experience in the industry, educational background, and performance during the interview process.

The Company complies with all laws respecting equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against applicants with regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, and local law. This position requires you to work onsite in the office at the Company’s facilities for training & meetings, with work‑from‑home flexibility, and the Company requires that all employees working in its facilities be fully vaccinated (except as required by applicable law). Therefore, this position requires you to be fully vaccinated from COVID‑19, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons, and/or as otherwise required by applicable law. The Company considers you fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since you received either the second dose in a two‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine series or a single‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine. The vaccine must have been FDA approved, have emergency use authorization from the FDA, or, for persons fully vaccinated outside of the U.S., be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.