Staff Scientist II - Medicinal Chemistry

Protagonist Therapeutics; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Protagonist Therapeutics in Newark, CA, seeks a Staff Scientist II in medicinal chemistry to design and synthesize new molecules and co-lead discovery projects under supervision. The role involves external resource management, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration to advance drug discovery.

You will contribute to multiple programs, maintain rigorous records, and communicate results clearly.

Qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry with 2–5 years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Propose and synthesize new molecular targets based on structure-activity relationships for lead optimization.
• Design synthetic routes with up-to-date literature and hands-on experience; scale-up is required.
• Solve challenging synthetic problems using various techniques.
• Lead and/or assist in writing technical documents including synthetic/analytical protocols and data reports.
• Analyze, interpret, and present results to the team in a timely manner.
• Provide synthetic chemistry expertise to cross-functional activities.
• Collaborate with external CROs to manage FTEs and outsourcing.
• Organize the lab and maintain instruments, reagents, and EH&S compliance.

Skills

Synthesis design

Problem solving

Data presentation

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

ChemDraw

SciFinder

Microsoft Office

Electronic Lab Notebook

Spotfire

Job description

The discovery chemistry team at Protagonist Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist II for a full-time small molecule medicinal chemist position. It is a full-time, hands-on bench scientist position, but the individual will have the opportunity to co-lead discovery projects under supervision. The individual will be responsible for design and synthesis of new molecules, solving challenging problems with critical thinking within our multi-disciplinary drug discovery team. The individual will have the opportunity to manage external chemistry resources and provide technical support to ensure high productivity. The individual will have a good track record and be enthusiastic about drug discovery. The individual independently supports multiple research programs and possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills. This individual will report to the Senior Director of Chemistry.

Key responsibilities:

• Propose and synthesize new molecular targets based on structure-activity relationships for compound optimization to advance leads
• Design synthetic routes based on up-to-date literature and hands-on past experience, scale up experience is required
• Solve challenging synthetic problems using various techniques
• Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including synthetic, analytical protocols and data reports
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, communicate results and data to the team through presentations or other formats in a timely manner
• Provide synthetic chemistry expertise and support cross-functional activities as needed
• Be up to date with scientific literature
• Work with external CROs to manage FTEs and outsourcing activities
• Organize the lab, maintain instruments, reagents, supplies in daily operations and follow EH&S rules and regulations

Requirements:

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry with 2-5 yeas of industrial experience in medicinal chemistry
• Proficiency in the following aspects: small molecule target design, organic synthesis and purification, scale up, problem solving, troubleshooting
• Understanding of the biology related to various drug discovery projects
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office, ChemDraw and SciFinder and ability to use computational chemistry software to design molecules
• Experience with electronic notebook, Spotfire and other data management and uploading software is a plus
• Excellent time management skills, organizational skills, high efficiency in the lab, ability to adjust work priorities per project needs, and detailed record keeping of experiments using electronic lab notebooks in a timely manner
• Ability to develop new skillsets and knowledge is highly desirable
• Working independently with limited guidance and multi-tasking are crucial for success
• Ability to collaborate within the team and cross-function in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $135,000 and $145,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. The Company\'s proprietary peptide technology platform enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist\'s proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra) is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ICOTYDE is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc.,a Johnson & Johnson company. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further development and commercialization. An NDA for rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide that is being co-developed with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide license and collaboration agreement entered in 2024, is under priority review with the FDA. Protagonist holds an option to co-commercialize rusfertide in the U.S. through a 50/50 profit and loss share structure or can opt-out of this structure. The Company also has a number of preclinical stage drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets including an oral IL-17 peptide antagonist, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company\'s website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com.