Job Description

We seek a highly motivated, creative and collaborative Scientist to join our growing chemistry team at our laboratories based in Seattle, WA. The Scientist will help to advance Variant Bio’s preclinical drug discovery pipeline through the design and synthesis of novel small molecules. Reporting to the Director, Medicinal Chemistry, the Scientist will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary drug discovery team and will help to establish a new chemistry lab. The candidate will contribute to medicinal chemistry projects at the hit-to-lead and lead optimization stage by synthesizing small molecule compounds for multiple drug targets. The candidate will gain experience with SAR analysis as well as biochemical, cellular and DMPK assays. Our current disease areas of interest include kidney disease, fibrosis, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify and characterize small molecules for multiple preclinical drug discovery programs.
  
• Analyze and interpret SAR data, and design novel compounds to advance medicinal chemistry programs.
  
• Work with internal teams and CROs to coordinate biochemical, cellular and DMPK assays for drug discovery projects.
  
• Maintain detailed experimental records by keeping an updated laboratory notebook.
  
• Help to establish the chemistry laboratory in a newly built facility.
  
• Be an active team player and exemplary laboratory citizen, working with colleagues in biology, DMPK and operations to maintain a collaborative R&D team environment.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry with 0-3 years of industry experience, or M.S. in chemistry with 5+ years of industry experience.
  
• Experience in multistep organic synthesis of drug-like small molecules, including troubleshooting reactions and route optimization.
  
• Independent, creative problem-solving skills with knowledge of a wide range of modern synthetic organic chemistry methods.
  
• Expertise with modern small molecule purification techniques, including normal and reversed phase chromatography methods.
  
• Expertise using advanced analytical methods to identify and characterize small molecules, including HPLC, mass spectrometry and NMR.
  
• Desire to work collaboratively on medicinal chemistry projects with multidisciplinary internal and external teams.
  
• A commitment to quality, transparency and attention to detail, including contributing to IP filings and publications by maintaining an accurate and up to date laboratory notebook.
  
• A commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
  
• Excellent people skills, leadership abilities and a willingness to work on a multidisciplinary R&D team as an exemplary laboratory citizen.
  
  

Compensation & Perks

• Opportunity to be part of an early-stage startup in a rapid growth phase.
  
• Competitive salary and equity package.
  
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance.
  
• 401(k) plan that includes an automatic 3% employer contribution.
  
• Flexible paid time off.
  
• Choice of public transportation (Orca Card) provided by the company or subsidized parking.
  
• Central Eastlake location in a brand new Alexandria building with modern facilities.

Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $110,000 - $135,000 plus up to 10% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up to $121,000 - $148,500, plus equity options.

The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.