Job Details

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.

The World's Brightest Minds Always Innovate

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That's why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, extraordinary support, and a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. At St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing in the pursuit of cures and saving children.

The incumbent will be responsible for driving strategic decisions throughout the various stages of small molecule drug discovery, focusing on chemically induced proximity platforms. Experience with computational tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), in virtual screening, small molecule design, and optimization is preferred.

1. Set up the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaborating cross-functionally within departmental centers and other departments. Lead and manage a team of scientists and multidisciplinary projects through proactive research collaboration, providing expertise and direction.
2. Contribute to recruiting and growing the team, guiding, and mentoring junior staff.
3. Stay at the forefront of induced proximity platforms, including PROTACs, molecular glues, and other bifunctional or allosteric modulators.
4. Evaluate new technologies, chemical tools, and screening platforms to accelerate proximity-based therapeutics development.
5. Design and optimize focused chemical libraries to identify hits, leads, and drug candidates that induce selective protein interactions and cellular phenotypic changes.
6. Maintain collaborative partnerships, ensuring recognition in publications and patents.
7. Lead and manage contract research organizations (CROs) and external chemistry partners globally.
8. Oversee SAR studies to enhance potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties, collaborating with ADMET and DMPK teams to improve pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological profiles.
9. Serve as a functional expert in due diligences for in-licensing assets and discovery partnerships.
10. Lead publication efforts in high-impact scientific journals.
11. Experience in drug discovery within Pharma/Biotech is highly preferred.
12. Experience with computational design or AI/ML is preferred.
13. A PhD with management experience is preferred.

This senior leadership role focuses on advancing cutting-edge drug discovery for childhood catastrophic diseases, aiming to develop unique chemical approaches such as protein degraders, synthetic gene regulators, or functional effectors to target pediatric oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and sickle cell disease.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
• PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 15 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 13 years with a Master's degree.
• 10 years with a PhD.

Better at Work. Better at Life.

Join our collaborative culture that inspires excellence, offers learning and growth opportunities, and provides work-life balance with generous benefits. Discover why our employees rank us as a “Best Place to Work.”

Benefits

We offer high-quality benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, wellness programs, and more. View all the benefits here.

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Compensation

The estimated salary range is $138,320 - $262,080 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Specific offers depend on individual factors.

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