Associate Director, R&D Chemistry, Peptidomimetics

About the role

We are currently seeking an established leader and drug hunter for the R&D (Research & Development) Chemistry group. In this position, they will play a key role in expanding the Regeneron peptidomimetic antibody-conjugate drug discovery capabilities, while providing innovation and leadership to seamlessly combine with the company's existing expertise in biologics and novel genetic medicines. The candidate will drive the discovery of peptidomimetic antibody conjugate drug therapeutics across diverse research areas. Cultural fit with the Regeneron cross-functional teams will be a key driver for success.

About the team

The R&D Chemistry team is primarily composed of synthetic organic, medicinal chemistry and bioconjugation scientists that work in a highly collaborative environment with other technology, biology and therapeutic area groups.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and manage the day-to-day activities of the R&D Chemistry Peptidomimetic group, providing vision, inspiration, and both short-term and long-term goals.
• Communicate priorities, policies, and goals of Regeneron Senior Leaders to the group.
• Perform medicinal chemistry inspired and SAR-driven generation of novel peptidomimetic drug modalities, using synthetically feasible and simplistically designed linkers to provide overall optimal in vitro and in vivo properties of antibody-conjugated therapeutics.
• Troubleshoot and optimize peptide potency and stability using standard peptide-based principles (e.g., Ala scans), non-natural amino acid incorporation, alpha-Me/N-Me peptide backbone modifications, and other medicinal chemistry strategies that are guided by in vitro assays, plasma/serum stability, and met ID data.
• Champion and lead the R&D Chemistry Peptidomimetic efforts on internal/external project teams, and demonstrate the ability to multi-task and parallel process to add to our continuous pipeline of Regeneron development candidates.
• Identify new strategies and technologies (e.g., linker and payload design) to improve on existing Regeneron platforms for pursuing novel synthesis and bioconjugation of peptidomimetic drug modalities.
• Actively participate in departmental, cross-functional, leadership, and external meetings to contribute expertise and to represent the vision of the R&D Chemistry Peptidomimetic group.
• Interact broadly and collaboratively with other Regeneron groups, forging relationships and active collaborations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in peptide and/or synthetic organic chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional industry experience.
• Extensive drug discovery experience with antibody-targeted peptidomimetic drug modalities, experience with the synthesis and manufacturing of peptidomimetic payloads and linkers, expertise in modern methods in medicinal chemistry structure-activity relationships, and a deep understanding of biological MOAs (extracellular/intracellular target evaluation, ADME/PK, PD/efficacy, toxicological evaluation).
• A track record of success in the field of either peptidomimetics, small molecules or antibody targeted therapeutics (i.e., advancement of molecules into the clinic) with experience building and leading teams is required.

Desired skills and attributes

• Peptidomimetic/synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry background with peptidomimetic synthesis, discovery and SAR optimization expertise as well as linker-payload synthesis experience.
• Firm understanding and grasp of chemical biology strategies and the importance of applying both chemical and biological solutions to solve problems in drug discovery.
• Small molecule synthesis and drug discovery/SAR experience as well as knowledge in the latest and most advanced bioconjugation techniques, platforms, and strategies is desired.
• Ability to act as an inspiring and motivating leader, effective communicator and manager, and strong collaborator to lead and drive project teams to develop novel antibody-conjugated peptidomimetic therapeutics.
• Ability to address challenges related to synthesis, medicinal chemistry, bioconjugation and optimal in vitro and in vivo properties leading to development candidates.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the promise of peptidomimetic conjugated, antibody-targeted therapeutics and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of drug delivery and molecular targeting.
• Comfort working in a cross-functional role and excelling as part of a diverse team where egos are checked at the door.
• Desire to provide meaningful contributions to the development of an organizational culture that supports growth and development of its people and capabilities to drive forward the Regeneron pipeline.
• Preference for working in an organization that is modality agnostic, letting the data determine the best course forward.

Location

This is an on-site position located in our Hawthorne, NY facility. Occasional travel to our nearby Tarrytown facility may be required.