Chemical Biologist

About Us…Photys is an exciting early-stage biotechnology company developing novel bifunctional small molecules for fine-tuned control of post-translational modifications beyond ubiquitination. Building off the same principles that underpin PROTACs, we will unlock directed protein post-translational modifications as a disease-agnostic therapeutic strategy to treat oncology, immunological diseases, metabolic diseases as well as genetic disorders.About the opportunity…We are seeking a Chemical Biologist, Contractor to be responsible to drive novel drug discovery projects from early discovery stage to clinical candidate, delivering a pipeline of new phosphorylation-inducing chimeric small molecules (PHICS) to treat human diseases. They will be responsible for driving chemical biology efforts in a fast-paced small molecule discovery research team, working alongside computational chemistry, biology, chemistry, biochemistry and other disciplines.Job Responsibilities:• Serve as chemical biology leader for projects from hit ID to lead nomination.• Lead and guide research efforts in exploratory chemical biology and mechanism of action studies using the latest techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, chemo-proteomics, biorthogonal chemistry, proximity labeling).• Collaborate on chemical biology strategy that is integrated with project plans to produce, prioritize and progress experiments to answer key questions and advance series & project.• Define experiments & data needed to inform on compound progression and goals for optimization.• Present research findings and progress updates to senior management and other stakeholders.• Effective cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced biotech environment to drive projects forward/towards key decisions.• Effectively manage CRO chemical biology efforts through excellent scientific knowledge with clear and open communication.• Drive the writing of technical reports to support patent applications and manuscript preparations.• Organize workstreams and complete individual and team objectives to maintain project timelines. • Use expertise to direct and influence hit-finding approaches, including high throughput screens, fragment-based screens and affinity-based screens, as well as knowledge-based approaches.About you…• Scientifically curious and rigorous with ability to ask important questions, prioritize and devise experiments to inform direction.• PhD in chemical biology (or related field), with 5+ years of post-PhD experience, or MS with 10+ years of experience as a chemical biologist/project leader in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.• Extensive knowledge of contemporary chemical biology, biochemistry and biophysical techniques such as mass spectrometry, chemo-proteomics, biorthogonal chemistry, proximity labeling.• Able to work on-site and attend in-person meetings.• Experience leading project planning and operational functions with CROs.• Experience in a small molecule therapeutics biotech/biopharma is highly desirable.• Experience in industry based molecular glue, heterobifunctional or induced proximity programs is highly desirable.• Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, scientific thinking and problem-solving skills are required.• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in cross-functional teams with an emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and communication within team and across the department.• Forward thinking mindset with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and focused on problem solving.