Key Responsibilities Design, optimize, and develop peptide-based degraders and E3 ligase ligands, driving sequence-to-lead progression through permeability and stability optimization. Execute peptide engineering strategies — including backbone cyclization, N-methylation, stapling, and lipidation — to improve oral bioavailability, plasma stability, and membrane permeability. Collaborate with structural biology, computational chemistry, and AI-driven drug design (AIDD) teams to guide peptide design using structure-based and AI/ML-driven approaches. Establish biochemical and cellular assays for peptide SAR, target engagement, and degradation profiling, enabling rapid hit-to-lead iteration. Stay current with emerging peptide discovery technologies (macrocyclic libraries, mRNA display, AI-driven peptide design) and evaluate their applicability to degrader programs. Author technical reports, patent applications, and regulatory documents; contribute to scientific publications.

Qualifications PhD in Peptide Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related discipline. 5+ years of peptide drug discovery experience with expertise in peptide design, synthesis, and optimization. Strong understanding of peptide engineering — sequence-activity relationships, conformational constraint, and drug-like property optimization (permeability, stability, solubility). Hands-on experience in peptide modification (cyclization, stapling, lipidation, etc.); experience with GLP-1 analogs, oral macrocyclic peptides, or related therapeutic classes is highly preferred. Experience in targeted protein degradation (PROTACs, molecular glues, or peptide-based degraders) is a strong plus. Familiarity with AI/ML-driven peptide design and computational modeling. Strong publication record and ability to collaborate across chemistry, biology, and computational teams.