Senior/Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry - Peptide Drug Design

Level: Senior Scientist to Associate Director | Byte Dance 3-1 / 3-2 Equivalent Location: Flexible – United States or China Our Client is a clinical-stage biotech company redefining peptide therapeutics through the integration of AI-driven design, novel chemistry, and translational biology. Backed by top-tier investors/partners, we are advancing a pipeline of First-in-Class (FIC) programs targeting oncology, metabolic, immunology — insert TAs with high unmet need. We combine the scientific rigor of Big Pharma with the speed and ownership of a startup. Our team is distributed across the US and China, united by one goal: deliver breakthrough medicines to patients, faster.

The Role: We are seeking a Senior or Principal Scientist / Associate Director in Medicinal Chemistry to lead peptide drug discovery from concept to candidate. You will own the chemistry strategy for FIC programs and work shoulder-to-shoulder with computational, biology, and translational teams to compress timelines from idea to IND.What You'll Own Lead design and optimization of First-in-Class peptide therapeutics against novel, high-value targets Drive SAR campaigns across macrocycles, stapled peptides, peptide-drug conjugates, and oral bioavailable peptides Partner with AI/ML, CADD, structural biology, DMPK, and pharmacology to run rapid design-make-test cycles Advance programs through hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies Represent Medicinal Chemistry on core project teams and mentor junior scientists

What You Bring: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field 8+ years industry experience at major U.S. pharmaceutical companies, with peptides/proteins taken to IND/clinic Startup experience: Thrive in agile, ambiguous environments with high ownership and urgency Byte Dance Level 3-1 to 3-2 equivalent — Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, or Associate Director scope Deep expertise in peptide design: non-canonical amino acids, cyclization, conjugation, SBDD, and peptide property optimization Proven FIC track record: Invented novel mechanisms of action and advanced them into development Why Join Our Client Real shots on goal: Work on FIC programs with line of sight to patients Speed + Resources: Startup velocity, backed to move programs to the clinic Global + Flexible: Base in US or China, collaborate with world-class talent Top-tier package: Competitive comp, significant equity, and comprehensive benefits Or refer someone