Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Why Join Us?

FogPharma is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the discovery and development of Helicon™ therapeutics, which are peptides capable of efficient cell entry and modulation of both protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. Through Helicon therapeutics, FogPharma is poised to revolutionize the medical possibilities for patients by precisely drugging intracellular targets long understood to be significant drivers of disease but never before drugged due to the limitations of existing drug modalities to act within the cell.

FOG-001, the company's first-in-class TCF-blocking β-catenin inhibitor, is being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 study for patients with advanced solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. FogPharma is fully leveraging the unprecedented potential Helicons present by deploying proprietary, custom-built machine learning and computational methods as part of its discovery and development process. FogPharma has raised more than $500 million to date from leading life sciences investors. FogPharma is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass.

What's the opportunity?

This is an exciting opportunity to bring a transformational new modality, our Helicon degraders, to clinical development. We are seeking a creative drug designer with deep expertise in targeted protein degradation. Helicons have the ability to bind tightly to a broad range of targets that traditionally are thought to be undruggable and this provides a unique opportunity to expand the accessible drug space by incorporating degrader and molecular glue functionalities. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the molecular design in multiple Helicon degrader programs from hit to development candidates. Specifically:

• Lead drug design teams applying our AI design platform to facilitate rapid SAR decision-making using state-of-the art methods in medicinal chemistry and targeted protein degradation.
• Develop and implement an integrated medicinal chemistry strategy, working in concert with partners in Data Science, De Novo Discovery, Molecular and Cellular Biology, DMPK and Pharmacology to reach hit-to-lead and lead optimization goals.
• Drive progression of lead molecules to pharmacological proof-of-concept studies and development candidate nomination.
• Collaborate closely with data scientists to evolve machine learning models for acceleration of Helicon degraders platform.
• Expand our E3 ligase ligands as well as our trimerizers discover platform. Recruit both internal and external partners to generate new research ideas and initiatives.
• Set ambitious goals and aggressive timelines for reaching key discovery milestones and rapid delivery of first-in-class Helicon™ peptide drugs to patients.
• Participate in company portfolio and stage-gate reviews, lead the preparation and presentation of program advancement.
• Collaborate with Lead IP Counsel to formulate intellectual property strategies.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with 15+ years of Industry experience in pharmaceutical/Biotech setting required.
• Demonstrated expertise and a track record of success in advancing discovery programs involving PROTAC and/or molecular glues from target validation through lead optimization and into clinical development.
• Fluency in applying computational methods to medicinal chemistry design problems.
• Innovative thinker with experience as a successful therapeutic program team (co)leader.
• Solid understanding of cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, mechanisms of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic sciences.
• Ability to motivate team and find creative solutions to problems. Demonstrated influence, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Capacity to execute tasks independently to achieve company goals on an established timeline.
• Excellent communication, organization, multi-tasking, flexibility, and team skills.
• Enthusiasm to work in a dynamic research environment.
• Able to work on-site and attend in-person meetings.

Core Values

FogPharma is a team of passionate pioneers who are trailblazing the future of precision medicine with the aim of making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. The company is committed to promoting an inspiring and flourishing working environment for all employees across the business, in all departments, and driving innovation for patient benefit.

• Creative. We are creating a whole new class of medicine requiring creativity to solve challenges as they arise, which we have successfully done since the inception of the company.
• Patient-focused. We are deeply focused on patient outcomes, and all energy in the company is focused on science as it translates to patient impact.
• Execution-oriented. As we begin clinical development and large-scale manufacturing, the team is balancing creativity and nimbleness with relentless, rigorous and flawless execution.
• Humble. We fully appreciate that science and technology and policy are in flux, and we balance deep experience with humility to ask fundamental questions and seek newly available solutions.

As an equal opportunity employer, Fog values diversity and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.