About the job
PharmaEssentia strives to develop first-in-class and best-in-class biotherapeutics, including cytokines, antibodies, and antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs), with a novel mechanism of action. To this end, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced ADC Chemistry leader to join our Taipei Headquarter R&D team. The successful candidate should possess extensive knowledge and experience in ADC design and development. They will be responsible for designing and synthesizing novel linker-payloads. Background in structure-based drug discovery and leading cross-functional project teams are critical for this position. This position is based in Taipei, Taiwan. Applicants need to be eligible to work in Taiwan without visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Establish discovery stage ADC linker-payload and bioconjugation lab capabilities, focusing on the design and synthesis of novel linker-payload molecules.
- Manage a cross-functional team of scientists, including medicinal chemists and analytical chemists, creating a collaborative and results-driven work environment while maintaining high safety standards.
- Contribute to PharmaEssentia ADC linker-payload strategy and utilize experience in synthetic chemistry and methodology to execute and optimize synthetic routes for efficient and scalable production of linker-payloads.
- Characterize and analyze synthesized molecules using analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS and NMR.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support ADC projects from discovery to non-clinical and clinical development.
- Stay current with the latest developments in ADC chemistry and the latest regulatory requirements governing ADC development and manufacturing, including GMP guidelines.
Qualification
- Ph.D. in synthetic or medicinal chemistry with a minimum of 12 years of related experience with expert working knowledge of the key medicinal chemistry concepts and design tools.Minimum 4 years experience of ADC drug discovery, and well-versed in all aspects of ADC linker-payload design, synthesis, evaluation, and bioconjugation development.
- Proven accomplishments in medicinal chemistry, with operational skills for managing discovery programs at the level of a Senior Chemist/Team Leader or above.
- A history of delivering multiple clinical candidates proven by successful publications, patents, and contribution in the field of small molecule drug discovery.
- Solid understanding of cellular/molecular biology, disease pharmacology, mechanisms of drug metabolism and molecular toxicology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic sciences for the in vivo evaluation of drug candidates.
- Expert knowledge of modern methods of synthetic organic chemistry with ability to conduct medicinal chemistry drug discovery successfully and simultaneously on multiple projects.
- Excellent communication to develop effective partnerships, lead cross functional teams, and delegate work effectively to team members.
Preferred Qualification
- Familiarity with bioconjugation, purification and characterization processes relevant to ADC development and manufacturing.
- Knowledge of critically relevant areas such as analytical characterization, formulation, and the general CMC scope of ADC and biologics.
- Experience in developing and validating bioanalytical methods for ADC, including ligand binding assays, ELISA, Immunogenicity (ADA and NBA assays), and other relevant techniques.
