Job Details

Director, Medicinal Chemistry (Small Molecule, Kinase Inhibitor)

Cardiff Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition, a well-validated oncology drug target, to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers.

The Company's lead asset is onvansertib, a PLK1 inhibitor being evaluated in combination with standard-of-care (SoC) therapeutics in clinical programs targeting indications such as RAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), as well as in investigator-initiated trials in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

These programs and the Company's broader development strategy are designed to target tumor vulnerabilities in order to overcome treatment resistance and deliver superior clinical benefit compared to the SoC alone.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the CSO, this position will lead our chemistry efforts. This position will be responsible for leading new project medicinal chemistry efforts as well as supporting our late-stage drug development program as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads our chemistry efforts, directs and coordinates our chemistry design, synthesis and analytical efforts as well as supporting our CMC efforts as needed.
• Coordinates chemistry efforts and utilizes consultants, and CROs as needed.
• Design and execute structure and computational chemistry driven programs as directed by the executive team.
• Design and synthesize (via CRO) drug-like molecules with optimized physiochemical properties and select candidates with best ADME and PK properties for further study.
• Access FTO and feasibility of potential new chemistry programs. Support relevant IP and regulatory filings.
• Help us access external collaborations and opportunities, provide scientific support and new formulation efforts as needed.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills. Presents data and findings in company meetings; provides verbal progress reports in both formal and informal settings.
• Independently analyzes data, interprets and presents results.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, at least 5-10 years of industry or academia lab experience, with experience in medicinal chemistry, synthesis, chemical biology and/or physical organic chemistry.
• Biopharmaceutical drug discovery medicinal chemistry experience is highly preferred.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, computational chemistry and drug design.
• Track record of success demonstrated through patents, publications and/or agents successfully entering clinical development desired.
• Requires experience with structure-based drug design of small molecules with optimal physiochemical properties.
• Requires experience with kinase inhibitor drug discovery.
• Experience with computational chemistry methods and X-ray crystallography.
• Experience working with contract research organizations to synthesize small molecules, experience with CMC development and/or sustained release formulations are a plus.
• Experience with IND and/or NDA regulatory filings expected.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work productively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and strong management skills.

Salary range of $180-285k. This is a San Diego based, on-site position.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Science, Research, and Project Management

Industries: Biotechnology Research and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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