Principal Scientist in Chemical Induced Proximity in , us

Principal Scientist Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Principal Scientist with specialized expertise in drug discovery to direct our Chemical Induced Proximity Center in the highly collaborative Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude provides world‑class facilities, state‑of‑the‑art technologies, extraordinary support, and a collaborative bench‑to‑bedside environment where science translates into survival for the children we serve.

The incumbent will drive strategic decisions throughout the small molecule drug discovery process focusing on chemically induced proximity platforms, including the use of computational tools, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for virtual screening, small molecule design, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Set up the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaboratively interacting cross‑functionally within departmental collaborative centers and various departments at the institution.
• Lead and manage a team of scientists and large‑scale, multidisciplinary projects through proactive research collaboration, and provide direction in a specific area of expertise.
• Contribute to recruiting and growing the team, guiding and mentoring junior staff.
• Stay at the forefront of induced proximity platforms, including but not limited to PROTACs, molecular glues, and other bifunctional or allosteric modulators.
• Evaluate new technologies, chemical tools, and screening platforms that can accelerate the development of proximity‑based therapeutics.
• Design and optimize focused chemical libraries to identify hits, leads, and drug candidates that induce selective protein interactions and cellular phenotypic changes.
• Maintain collaborative partnerships while ensuring recognition on collaborating publications and patents.
• Lead and manage a number of contract research organizations (CRO) and external chemistry partners across the globe.
• Oversee structure‑activity relationship (SAR) studies to enhance potency, selectivity, and drug‑like properties of candidate molecules. Lead efforts to improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological profiles of compounds in collaboration with ADMET and DMPK teams.
• Serve as functional expert in due diligence for assets in‑licensing and discovery partnerships.
• Responsible for leading publication efforts in high‑impact scientific journals.

Requirements & Qualifications

• PhD with management experience.
• Experience in drug discovery in Pharma/Biotech industry.
• Experience with computational design or AI/ML.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree, 13 years with a Master’s degree, or 10 years with a PhD.

Compensation

Estimated salary range: $138,320 - $262,080 per year for Principal Scientist in Chemical Induced Proximity.

Location

The position is based in Memphis, offering a mix of big‑city amenities and a small‑town feel, a lower cost of living, no state income tax on wages, and a shorter commute compared to the national average.

Benefits

St. Jude offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, retirement, wellness, and family‑friendly programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.