Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry

Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry
Millbrae, CA

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Eikon’s discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular-resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position
We seek a Principal ScientisinComputational Chemistrywith a demonstrated abilityofsuccessfullyapplying insilico technologies to drive the discovery of quality lead-like molecules against hard to drug therapeutic targets. Thecandidatewillapply AI/ML to impact library design,HTShit identification, virtual screens,and (virtual) hit expansion efforts towardshit-to-leadacross multipleprojects. Therole involvesprotein modeling,AIco-foldedstructure/affinitypredictions,binding site/ligand-ability assessment, homology-based chemistry mining, virtualscreeningandpurchasablecompound procurement. Youwilldailycollaborateclosely with biologists, medicinal chemists, softwareengineersand machine learning experts. As an integral member of our growing Drug Discovery team,you willmake a real and direct impact on accelerating the drug discovery process andultimately benefitingpatients.
About You
You’rea computational chemistry/cheminformaticsexpert who loves to solve difficult problems andarenot discouraged by challenges. You have a passion for drug discovery and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You are curious, love challenges, and enjoy pushing the edge of technology to solve important problems with creative solutions. You’recollaborative by nature, resourceful, open-minded, data-driven, and canoperatewith a sense of urgency.
What You’ll Do
• Deliver virtual screening workflows that leverage physics- and AI-based modeling methods involving ligand- and structure-based methods, ensemble docking, molecular dynamics, and free energy calculations
• Provide computational chemistry program support across our drug discovery pipeline spanning target selection, HTS, hit identification/calling, hit to lead, and lead optimization
• Provide guidance on the application of modern cheminformatics, ML/AI methods for library design (e.g. diversity, focused, fragment, DEL) and analyzing large datasets from HTS campaigns to building predictive models from them
• Routinely employ expert knowledge and analysis of SAR, physiochemical and ADMET properties
• Work alongside medicinal chemists to further triage emerging hits for synthesis/purchase
• Collaborate closely with our data science team to integrate cutting edge AI/ML tools into our chemistry and drug discovery processes
Qualifications
• PhD in Computational Chemistry orrelated disciplinewith+10years of relevant experience; orMaster'splus 18years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's plus20years of relevant experience
• Expertise in virtual screening, HTS triaging, hit calling, and diversity analysis
• Expertise in computational chemistry software, such as Schrödinger Suite, Rosetta, AlphaFold, Gromacs, or similar tools
• Expertise with physics-based methods, molecular dynamics, conformational analysis, free energy perturbation, and quantum mechanics
• Expertise in cheminformatics data analysis, data mining and machine learning models to solve drug discovery problems
• Experience with ligand-based design approaches, QSAR, QSPR, multiparameter optimization to rationalize SAR and design novel molecules
• A track record of publications, patents and/or conference presentations in computational chemistry and/or drug discovery
• Proficient in scientific programming (e.g. python, KNIME) and data analytics (Spotfire, DataWarrior, Pandas)
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:
• 401k plan with company matching
• Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee-paid life/AD&D policies
• Enhanced parental leave benefit
• Daily subsidized lunch program when on-site
The expected salary range for this role is $204,000 to $223,250 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.

Eikon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.