Company Overview:

1859 is on a mission to accelerate drug discovery and deliver the next generation medicines to patients faster. Our activity-based pico-scale small molecule screening engine is uniquely integrated with generative AI models to streamline de novo drug design for both novel and well-validated targets with unmet needs. Iterative design-make-screen cycles are powered by multi-parametric molecule optimization models trained on our large experimental data sets from validated libraries in addition to conventional public data. Our engine yields data that are rich with SAR trends in desired properties that enable our experienced team of scientists to test fewer compounds faster and quickly prioritize novel selective lead compounds for conversion into clinical candidates, unlocking new therapeutic opportunities faster for patients who are waiting.

We are comprised of high-performance engines, not cogs, and we invest in our people! Benefits include: paid holidays, flexible PTO, medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and equity incentives. We are committed to training and career development for our people. Our goal is to provide a collaborative, data driven, productive and highly efficient company culture.

If you have a passion for changing the world of new medicine discovery, we encourage you to apply!

Position Summary:

1859 is seeking a Medicinal Chemist with 6+ years of experience in Hit and Lead optimization to clinical candidates. Working in collaboration with internal drug discovery teams, AI/ML specialists and our CRO and discovery partners, you will be responsible for proposing and execution of medicinal chemistry designs of small molecules and libraries, analyzing large hit, lead and SAR data sets, and defining project objectives to progress programs through all stages of hit to lead optimization to candidate nomination. You will be working in a multiple disciplinary environment and have full oversight of internal and external synthetic and medicinal chemistry resources to advance small molecule drug discovery projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish medicinal chemistry strategies to progress hits and leads identified by internal, external and/or virtual, AI/ML screens or sources
• Employ state-of-the-art cheminformatics and AI/ML models to expedite compound design and synthesis, while closely collaborating with the AI/ML team to enhance ML development and applications
• Propose, execute, and deliver project milestones in collaboration with biology team co-leaders
• Continuous literature and competitive landscape surveys and use of the information to guide program direction and IP filing
• Review of biochemical data and all compound profiling data to analyze SAR to design, propose and execute next iterations of compounds and libraries
• Present the data in meetings, conferences and publications as needed
• Management, oversight and guidance of internal and CRO synthetic and medicinal chemistry activities in support of internal programs
• Pull together data packages for patent and IND filings

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry
• 6+ years of industry experience in a pharmaceutical industry medicinal chemistry setting
• Direct experience in medicinal chemistry for Lead Optimization to clinical candidates and IND filing
• Published, expert knowledge of current synthetic and AI/ML methods for medicinal chemistry
• Experience with structure-based design, Machine Learning and computer aided drug discovery (docking, etc.)
• Expert in the interpretation of compound profiling data, computational modeling predictions, and of biochemistry/enzymology, biophysics, and PK/PD studies
• Excellent collaborator with matrix teams from Chemistry, Screening, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Chemistry, etc.
• Driven, proactive and enthusiastic to work in a startup environment

Compensation:

$130,000 - $160,000. Actual base pay within this range will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

We take pride in fostering an environment where all team members are afforded the freedom to pursue their passion without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.