Position Overview:

Beam is seeking a scientific leader with expertise in small molecule drug discovery and familiarity with design of functional lipid excipients to enhance nucleic acid delivery in lipid nanoparticles.  In this role, the individual will lead a team responsible for hit discovery, lead optimization and candidate selection of novel compounds to enhance delivery of nucleic acids to several tissues and routes of administration.  A strong understanding and relevant experience in novel lipid chemistry is highly desirable. We are looking for someone who will help shape the discovery and early development pipeline and is able to grow and scale with the aspirations of the company.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for delivery chemistry at Beam.
• Lead design and synthesis of novel chemical libraries to enhance delivery of nucleic acids in lipid nanoparticles.
• Effectively manage external chemistry resources to synthesize compounds.
• Engage with CDMOs to successfully scale lead compounds.
• Work closely with IP to develop small molecule patent strategy and lead preparation of patent documents.
• Work as part of project team to evaluate compounds and advance compounds through development.
• Collaborate closely with high throughput screening team, hit validation, non-clinical sciences and computational sciences to establish robust screening paradigm to inform SAR of chemical series.
• Communicate scientifically rigorous findings and delivery chemistry strategy via verbal and written communications, and presentations  to key stakeholders (e.g. Executive leadership team, Board of Directors) and externally.
• Lead, teach and mentor junior staff to promote a culture of growth and learning.

Qualifications:

• PhD or MS in Organic / Medicinal  or related field with 7 – 10 years of small molecule drug discovery experience.
• Deep understanding of small molecule chemical synthesis, previous exposure to process chemistry is a plus. 
• Prior experience in advancing novel chemical entities as part of multidisciplinary project team, familiarity with lipid excipients and lipid nanoparticles is a plus.
• Familiarity with delivery of oligonucleotides is a plus.
• Dynamic energetic team leader who can build, mentor and develop high performing teams.
• Strong scientific background and publication record with proven high levels of performance.
• Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work brought on by growth/change and helps others manage through change.