Director / Associate Director - Discovery Chemistry (SF Bay Area)

Vilya is a computational biotechnology company creating a novel class of medicines to precisely target disease biology. We believe computational approaches are an integral, if not foundational, component of drug discovery and development. Our platform is built on ground-breaking research in advanced computational approaches and taps into uncharted chemical space to design new molecular structures not found in nature.

Our molecules open the door to a brand-new class of medicine with enhanced drug-like properties. We are harnessing the power of our platform to go after previously impossible targets in an array of indications. Vilya’s ultimate goal is to solve some of the most challenging unmet medical needs that exist today.

Our Vision: Harness a revolution in technology and biology to better human health

Our Mission: Build an independent, leading biotech company founded on intelligent drug design to cure the incurable 

We are seeking a highly-skilled and enthusiastic Associate Director or Director - Discovery Chemistry to join Vilya’s Chemistry team in South San Francisco. This full-time onsite position will play a key role in expanding our platform technology and advancing orally available macrocycles into the clinic. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Leadership of Vilya’s growing Discovery Chemistry function, including management of external CROs and internal laboratory-based direct reports
• Delivery of development candidates for preclinical evaluation by advancing screening hits through lead identification and optimization
• Optimization of chemical matter for key parameters including solubility, permeability, stability, potency, selectivity, and in vivo exposure
• Evaluation and implementation of state of the art synthetic methodologies for production of novel chemical structures
• Proactive collaboration and effective communication with cross-functional teams
• Leadership of the medicinal chemistry function within multidisciplinary project teams as well as project team leadership
• Frequent presentation of progress updates to the chemistry group, cross-functional research teams, and corporate leadership
• Effective written communication as required for patent filings, company reports, and scientific publications
• Maintenance of a culture of compliance to all corporate policies, including all relevant safety and environmental regulations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry
• 7+ years post-PhD experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical setting
• Expertise in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of complex organic small molecules including methodology development and reaction optimization
• Experience with SBDD
• Demonstrated ability to deliver development candidates for preclinical evaluation
• Management of external FTEs in synthetic or medicinal chemistry
• Management of internal direct reports
• Prior experience as medicinal chemistry lead on a project team is required
• Project team leadership experience is a plus
• Experience with solution- and/or solid-phase peptide synthesis is preferred but not required
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated with strong time management and multitasking skills
• Impeccable scientific integrity
• Scientifically curious and eager to learn
• Positive attitude and willingness to do whatever is needed to meet deliverables and advance projects

VILYA BENEFITS:

• Opportunity to work in a disruptive startup with a talented, experienced, and growing team of dedicated individuals
• 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
• Stock options
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Open, flexible vacation policy
• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Salary Range: $160,000 - 210,000