Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

About the role

IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach combines expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, structural biology, and bioinformatics with internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop targeted therapies aligned with genetic drivers of disease.

Responsibilities

• Oversee small molecule analytical chemistry efforts across the IDEAYA discovery portfolio
• Manage and execute compound purifications (including chiral SFC separations), structural elucidations, biophysical property determinations (such as solubility, logD, and pKa determinations), and stability studies
• Manage junior analytical chemist(s) to achieve strong productivity with high quality and scientific rigor
• Troubleshoot methods and provide technical guidance across discovery programs
• Manage installation and maintenance of lab analytical equipment
• Perform vendor review and selection and provide oversight of all analytical work at external CROs
• Proactively communicate with and work closely with other functions to help align analytical strategy and achieve goals
• Help hire high-caliber analytical chemists as needed to build and grow a world-class analytical department

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline with minimum of (5) years of drug discovery experience with demonstrated ability operating successfully within cross-functional groups
• Strong subject matter expertise in small molecule purification (both HPLC and SFC essential), physicochemical analysis, analytical method development/validation, and CRO management is essential
• Additional experience with small molecule structural elucidation techniques is preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to quickly adapt and shift focus as needed
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within project teams
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced dynamic environment while demonstrating a calm and positive attitude and a superior work ethic
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior level associates and/or scientists, including direct reports or supporting team members

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of drug discovery experience
• Experience in small molecule purification (HPLC and SFC)
• Experience in structural elucidation techniques (preferred)
• Strong problem-solving and adaptability skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage and mentor junior staff

Skills

• Small molecule analytical chemistry
• Compound purifications
• Structural elucidations
• Biophysical property determinations
• Stability studies
• Vendor review and selection
• Collaborative team environment
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Mentoring and supervising junior staff

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package including merit-based salary increases, company discretionary short-term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents), 401k, ESPP, and wellness programs

Pay

The expected salary range for the role of the Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry is $167,000 - $206,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors including the office location, experience, disease areas of interest, length of time in the industry, educational background, and performance during the interview process.

Schedule

This position is based in our South San Francisco headquarters and requires being onsite four days per week per our company policy.