Director, Small Molecule Discovery Biology (Inflammation & Autoimmunity)
Alumis
August 13, 2026
On-site
San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead discovery-stage small molecule biology efforts: define project strategy, identify knowledge gaps, design screening paradigms, oversee SAR generation, coordinate stakeholders, and identify new targets.
- Develop biochemical and cellular read-outs to support small molecule drug discovery; support characterization of clinical candidates using autoimmune disease models and development of clinically relevant PD assays.
- Provide direct and indirect supervision of laboratory-based biology staff; mentor junior staff.
- Manage external biology studies at CROs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and preclinical development teams; communicate project strategy and progress.
Qualifications (Ideal Candidate):
- PhD with 8+ years biopharma experience in immunology-related small molecule drug discovery.
- Experience overseeing project biology/biochemistry and/or leading project teams.
- Hands-on expertise with emerging small molecule areas (e.g., PPI inhibitors, degraders/molecular glues, transcription factors).
- Breadth from target discovery/validation through early clinical development.
- Familiarity with compound screening, MOA characterization, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
- Knowledge of autoimmune biology (in vitro/in vivo models, immortalized cell lines, primary immune cell isolation/characterization, RNA-Seq, cytokine detection).
- Experience managing CRO collaborations; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and cross-functionally (academic collaboration experience a plus).
- Track record of scientific achievement and innovation; enthusiasm for a small-company environment.
Benefits:
- Stock option grants and annual bonus program.
- Health insurance premiums: 90% paid for employee, 80% for dependents.
- Genentech Bus & Ferry Share program (free access).
- $100 monthly cell phone stipend.
- Unlimited PTO for exempt employees.
- Free onsite gym and kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks.
- Lead discovery-stage small molecule biology efforts: define project strategy, identify knowledge gaps, design screening paradigms, oversee SAR generation, coordinate stakeholders, and identify new targets.
- Develop biochemical and cellular read-outs to support small molecule drug discovery; support characterization of clinical candidates using autoimmune disease models and development of clinically relevant PD assays.
- Provide direct and indirect supervision of laboratory-based biology staff; mentor junior staff.
- Manage external biology studies at CROs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and preclinical development teams; communicate project strategy and progress.
Qualifications (Ideal Candidate):
- PhD with 8+ years biopharma experience in immunology-related small molecule drug discovery.
- Experience overseeing project biology/biochemistry and/or leading project teams.
- Hands-on expertise with emerging small molecule areas (e.g., PPI inhibitors, degraders/molecular glues, transcription factors).
- Breadth from target discovery/validation through early clinical development.
- Familiarity with compound screening, MOA characterization, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
- Knowledge of autoimmune biology (in vitro/in vivo models, immortalized cell lines, primary immune cell isolation/characterization, RNA-Seq, cytokine detection).
- Experience managing CRO collaborations; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and cross-functionally (academic collaboration experience a plus).
- Track record of scientific achievement and innovation; enthusiasm for a small-company environment.
Benefits:
- Stock option grants and annual bonus program.
- Health insurance premiums: 90% paid for employee, 80% for dependents.
- Genentech Bus & Ferry Share program (free access).
- $100 monthly cell phone stipend.
- Unlimited PTO for exempt employees.
- Free onsite gym and kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks.