Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology

Role Summary

Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology. The Protomer team focuses on chemical biology, molecular switches and (oral) peptidic macrocycles platforms. The role centers on deep technology development in chemical biology, specifically peptides and macrocycles with emphasis on peptide libraries and oral macrocyclic peptides. The candidate will help develop strategy, direct scientific milestones, and lead a highly integrated, agile team while mentoring junior scientists within the oral macrocycles group at Protomer.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects in oral macrocycles, chemical biology or peptide frameworks combining molecule design and conjugation at the interface of small molecules and peptides.
• Lead molecule engineering efforts from lead identification to lead optimization and contribute toward Phase 1b and beyond.
• Lead display screening efforts from lead finding to lead optimization of oral macrocyclic peptide discovery projects.
• Learn about and enhance Protomer platform technology to accelerate lead finding and optimization.
• Collaborate within the group to achieve goals, while providing independent perspective and contributing to strategy and execution.
• Advance dedicated molecular engineering efforts toward high-conviction targets, prioritizing speed and collaboration with Protomer and wider Lilly teams.
• Inspire collaboration to invent medicines by removing barriers, upholding high-quality hypotheses, and accelerating where possible.
• Maintain safety as a top priority and contribute to a proactive safety culture.
• Promote diversity and inclusion through recruiting, retaining, and developing scientists; coach and develop team members.
• Be a good teammate and work effectively with colleagues across Protomer and Lilly.

Qualifications

• PhD or post-doctoral degree in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field with significant experience and a proven research track record.

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of current developments in oral macrocyclic peptides or library-based selection approaches.
• Proven track record in library-based screening or lead optimization using display technologies, OBOC libraries, DEL technologies, with understanding of biophysical/biochemical properties of peptides.
• Experience in bioinformatics, NGS analysis, and peptide library designs.
• Deep knowledge of molecular biology techniques; proficient in experimental design, assay execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of lab automation systems to streamline protocols and create workflows.
• Familiarity with computational and structural efforts for hit identification and lead optimization in macrocyclic peptides.
• Basic understanding of computational and AI/machine learning techniques for developing and engineering oral macrocyclic peptide medicines.
• Understanding of the full drug discovery process including lead generation and lead optimization; ability to partner with cross-functional groups.
• Open, transparent communication with employees, team members, and leadership; strong teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving, learning agility, and ability to operate in a global matrixed organization.
• Strategic thinking to identify competency gaps and drive continuous improvement within Protomer.

Additional Information

• Some domestic and international travel is anticipated and expected.