Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. is seeking a Principal Research Scientist for their South San Francisco location. This role demands analytical chemistry oversight within their drug discovery portfolio, requiring a Ph.D. and at least five years of relevant experience.

Qualified candidates will manage analytical efforts for small molecules, ensuring robustness in methods and leading compound purifications. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are crucial to guide a high-caliber analytics team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline.
• Minimum five years in drug discovery with cross-functional groups.
• Strong subject-matter expertise in small molecule purification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee small molecule analytical chemistry across IDEAYA's portfolio.
• Manage compound purifications and biophysical property determinations.
• Ensure analytical methods are sound and fit-for-purpose.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Drug Discovery Experience

Small Molecule Purification

Problem-Solving Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Related Discipline

Job description

Position Overview

Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry – South San Francisco, CA. This role requires onsite presence four days per week and reports directly to the Vice President, Medicinal Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Oversee small molecule analytical chemistry efforts across the IDEAYA discovery portfolio.
• Manage and execute compound purifications, including chiral SFC separations.
• Perform structural elucidations, biophysical property determinations (solubility, logD, pKa), and stability studies.
• Ensure existing analytical methods are technically sound, well developed, and fit-for-purpose.
• Troubleshoot methods and provide technical guidance across discovery programs.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of laboratory analytical equipment.
• Conduct vendor review and selection, and provide oversight of all analytical work performed by external CROs.
• Communicate proactively with other functions to align analytical strategy and achieve program goals.
• Help hire high-caliber analytical chemists as needed to build a world‑class analytics team.
• Stay aware of emerging techniques and technologies, and bring new capabilities online as necessary.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline.
• Minimum of five years of drug discovery experience with a demonstrated ability to operate successfully within cross‑functional groups.
• Strong subject‑matter expertise in small molecule purification (both HPLC and SFC essential).
• Expertise in physicochemical analysis, analytical method development/validation, and CRO management.
• Experience in small molecule structural elucidation techniques is preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to quickly adapt and shift focus as needed.
• Excellent 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.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior associates or scientists, including direct reports.

Legal & Compliance

All employees are expected to act with integrity and to be in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including the IDEAYA Code of Conduct. Employees must demonstrate good judgment 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. IDEAYA is an equal‑opportunity employer and 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.