Title

: Principal Scientist, Molecular Modeling/Peptide Design

The Role

The Principal Scientist will design modern oral peptides including D-peptide therapeutics, driving structure-activity relationships (SAR) from hit identification through clinical candidate nomination. Using molecular modeling and computational tools and experimental data, you will advance early hits by optimizing novel D-amino acid peptides with drug-like properties, while collaborating across a multidisciplinary team to translate scientific discoveries into transformative medicines.  We are looking for an outstanding Molecular Modeller with strong peptide/medicinal chemistry skills or an outstanding Peptide/Medicinal Chemist with strong Molecular Modeling skills.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are passionate about the company's mission and a self-starter with an inextinguishable fire to compete and succeed. You thrive in an environment that requires crisp judgment, pragmatic decision-making, rapid course-corrections, and comfort with market ambiguity. You discharge your duties within a culture of mutual team respect, high performance, humility, and humor.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of peptide hits to establish robust SAR and advance drug discovery programs
• Deploy state-of-the-art molecular modelling of peptides and complexes for the optimization of drug candidates, leveraging available structural biology and chemical knowledge
• Drive chemical modifications including cyclization, stapling, N-methylation, and non-natural amino acid incorporation to enhance drug-like properties
• Integrate tightly with the AI- and structure-based discovery and experimental team
• Present data at scientific conferences and publish data in scientific journals aligned to company objectives
• Serve as an example of teamwork and collaboration with adherence the company Team Operating Agreement

Candidate Skills and Experience

About Aizen

Aizen is an AI-driven biotechnology company pioneering Mirror Peptides, a novel class of biologic medicines. Mirror Peptides are synthetic, fully D-amino acid peptides that represent a vast, unexplored therapeutic chemical space. Backed by life science venture capital and based in the biotech hub of San Diego, CA. A video summary of the founder story is here.

Location & Compensation:

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Compensation: Competitive base salary with stock options
• Benefits: Comprehensive package including PTO and premium medical coverage