Principal Scientist - Peptide Chemistry (US)

Make your mark for patients

UCB is seeking to hire a Principal Scientist – Peptide Chemistry to be based out of our Boston R&D Hub in Cambridge, MA. This creative and recognized peptide chemistry expert will report to our Head of US Discovery Chemistry.

Primary responsibilities will be leading the design, synthesis, optimization, and evaluation of macrocyclic peptides to identify clinical candidates, including peptides with oral activity. An ideal candidate will have a strong track record in peptide drug discovery, demonstrated by key contributions to development candidates’ delivery, publications, patents, and presentations. They will lead by example, having a significant laboratory presence. Other responsibilities may include leading and managing internal / external resources to ensure high performance and project progression. The appointed candidate will be responsible for contributing to all stages of a project, from inception to early development.

Please note: We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able tosponsor visas at any point for this role. This includes taking over sponsorship for an existing Visa.

Responsibilities:

• Support hit confirmation and hit-to-lead evaluation of macrocyclic peptide hits from mRNA display and other screening technologies
• Lead the design, synthesis, optimization, and evaluation of macrocyclic peptide hits/leads to produce clinical candidates, including orally active peptides
• Identify therapeutic applications for macrocyclic peptides and integrate external developments into internal projects
• Collaborate with experts in CADD, Biology, DMPK, Safety, and CMC to address key drug discovery issues and guide teams to success
• Maintain a significant laboratory presence and mentor chemists as well as lead an area of peptide medicinal chemistry and function as program lead chemist when needed
• Drive publication/patent strategy independently
• Participate in local functional management, including hiring and mentoring staff, as well as ensure optimal interaction and communication with the leadership team

Required Skills & Education:

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, or a related field
• >10 years of industrial experience in drug discovery and development
• Consistent track record of contributions to innovative peptide drug discovery projects with a strong laboratory presence
• Demonstrated success in peptide drug research, as well as the ability to define medicinal chemistry strategy
• Extensive knowledge of organic chemistry
• Effective coordination of chemistry resources
• Proven ability to offer constructive challenge and scientific insight to global projects and represent medicinal chemistry at cross-functional meetings

Base Salary Range: $137,600 to $180,600 plus annual bonus

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equitable opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent, and adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on US-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com for application to US based roles. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.