Scientist II, High-Throughput Chemistry

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jnana Therapeutics, a Boston-based unit of Otsuka, seeks a Scientist for our Discovery Chemistry group to advance drug discovery programs against hard-to-drug targets. You will apply direct-to-biology and high-throughput chemistry to identify novel small molecules and interrogate target biology.

Collaborating across disciplines, you will help build lab automation and scale synthesis methods, while contributing to publications and patent applications in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or closely related field with 0-2 years industry experience in parallel synthesis, liquid handling, high-throughput experimentation and/or direct-to-biology chemistry.
• Passion for drug discovery, highly-organized and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute direct-to-biology, high-throughput chemistry to support the platform.
• Develop and optimize new reactions for direct-to-biology chemistry.
• Establish high-throughput chemistry and automate laboratory workflows.
• Synthesize target molecules and optimize routes.
• Collaborate with external chemistry CROs to synthesize targets.
• Work across scientific disciplines on multiple projects.
• Brainstorm and generate new ideas across projects.
• Assist in preparing patents and publications.
• Maintain a safe and productive laboratory environment.

Skills

High-throughput chemistry

Direct-to-biology chemistry

Parallel synthesis

Liquid handling

High-throughput experimentation

Synthesis design & execution

Laboratory automation

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry/Organic Chemistry

Tools

Laboratory automation

Direct-to-biology platform

Job description

About Us

Jnana Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation RAPID chemoproteomics platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging‑to‑drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet needs. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases and immune‑mediated diseases. Jnana’s lead program, JNT‑517, which targets an allosteric site on the phenylalanine transporter SLC6A19, is a potential first‑in‑class oral approach for the treatment of PKU, a rare genetic metabolic disease. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, and a highly experienced management team. For more information, please visit www.jnanatx.com and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.

At Jnana, you’ll join a diverse, passionate team dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging diseases. Our collaborative, purpose-driven culture fosters innovation, urgency, and belonging—making Jnana a great place to work!

About the Opportunity

As a Scientist in our Discovery Chemistry group, you will support our internal chemistry group focused on drug discovery programs for hard‑to‑drug targets. Through small molecule screening using our novel and proprietary chemoproteomics RAPID platform, our research aims to identify novel small molecules against these challenging targets to interrogate target biology and ultimately to develop drug candidates that can provide clinical value to patients.

Responsibilities

• Execute direct-to-biology, high-throughput chemistry to support the platform
• Develop and optimize new reactions for direct-to-biology chemistry
• Contribute to establishment of the high-throughput chemistry function and planning/build out of laboratory automation
• Utilize synthetic expertise to design and execute synthesis of target molecules
• Work closely with external chemistry CRO teams to synthesize target molecules
• Work collaboratively across scientific disciplines on multiple projects
• Proactively engage in brainstorming and the generation of new ideas across projects
• Assist in preparing patent applications and publications
• Maintain a safe and productive laboratory environment

Desired Qualifications & Past Experience

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or closely related field with 0-2 years industry experience in parallel synthesis, liquid handling, high-throughput experimentation and/or direct-to-biology chemistry
• Passion for drug discovery, highly-organized and excellent communication skills

Competencies

• Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Otsuka Precision Health, Inc. (“Otsuka”) does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any Otsuka employee directly or through Otsuka’s application portal without a valid written search agreement in place for the position will be considered Otsuka’s sole property. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired by Otsuka as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.