Job Description

About the Company

Unnatural Products (UNP) is an integrated biotech company at the forefront of macrocyclic peptide drug discovery. Our mission is delivering first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical need. UNP's platform couples machine learning-based in silico tools with direct-to-biology parallel peptide chemistry to enable the discovery and rapid optimization of non-natural macrocyclic peptides directed toward extracellular targets and intracellular targets.

Based in Santa Cruz, CA, we are a passionate team of scientists and operators doing high-quality science in a beautiful setting—where innovation and work-life balance go hand in hand. Come shape the future of UNP with us!

The Role

UNP is seeking an accomplished and motivated Associate Director of Medicinal Chemistry to contribute to the discovery and development of novel macrocyclic peptide therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of advancing drug discovery projects from initiation to development candidate (DC), along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience working effectively within cross-functional project teams. A strong medicinal chemistry foundation is required and experience with peptides is desired.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and scientific leadership for the medicinal chemistry function within cross-functional discovery teams
• Drive the advancement of screening hits through hit-to-lead and lead optimization stages, with a focus on delivery of high-quality development candidates
• Oversee CRO relationships, including the synthesis of key building blocks, high-value intermediates, and control compounds
• Evaluate and apply cutting-edge synthetic methodologies, especially those relevant to macrocyclic peptide synthesis
• Manage, mentor, and develop scientists within the chemistry team, fostering scientific excellence and team growth
• Collaborate proactively with internal and external partners to align chemistry efforts with project goals
• Deliver progress updates to internal teams, senior leadership, and other stakeholders
• Author high-quality scientific documentation, including patent filings, internal reports, and publications
• Ensure compliance with all corporate, safety, and environmental policies and regulations

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 7+ years of relevant industry experience in a biopharmaceutical setting
• Demonstrated expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, from early discovery through to candidate nomination
• Strong track record of success in project advancement, including leadership roles in cross-functional teams
• Proven people management skills, with experience supervising and developing scientific talent
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Experience with solution- or solid-phase peptide synthesis of peptides, and structure-based drug design is desirable

Why Join Us?

As our Director or Associate Director of Medicinal Chemistry, you will have a direct hand in accelerating the discovery of novel peptide therapeutics to treat diseases with high unmet medical need. We value integrity, transparency, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit. If you are passionate about people and biotech, we’d love to talk.

The salary range for the Associate Director, Medicinal Chemistry position is $170,000 - $208,000. The salary range for the Director, Medicinal Chemistry position is $195,000 - $244,000. Title and compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's career experience, qualifications, and the responsibilities of the position.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.

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