Principal Scientist in Chemical Induced Proximity

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 pursue groundbreaking work in finding 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. Set up the chemistry strategy for projects and advance drug discovery programs by collaborating across departmental centers and other institution departments. Lead and manage a team of scientists and multidisciplinary projects through proactive research collaboration, providing expertise and direction. Contribute to recruiting, team growth, and mentoring junior staff. Stay at the forefront of induced proximity platforms, including PROTACs, molecular glues, and other bifunctional or allosteric modulators. Evaluate new technologies, chemical tools, and screening platforms to accelerate proximity-based therapeutic development. Design and optimize focused chemical libraries to identify hits, leads, and drug candidates that induce selective protein interactions and cellular phenotypic changes. Maintain collaborative partnerships, ensuring recognition through publications and patents. Manage contract research organizations (CROs) and external chemistry partners globally. Oversee structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to improve potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties, collaborating with ADMET and DMPK teams to enhance pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological profiles. Serve as a functional expert in due diligence for assets in licensing and discovery partnerships. Lead publication efforts in high-impact scientific journals. Experience in drug discovery within Pharma/Biotech industries is highly preferred. Experience with computational design or AI/ML is preferred. PhD with management experience is preferred. This senior leadership role focuses on advancing cutting-edge drug discovery for childhood catastrophic diseases, including developing unique chemical approaches such as protein degraders and synthetic gene regulators to target pediatric oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and sickle cell disease. Minimum Education and/or Training: Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required. PhD preferred. Minimum Experience: Fifteen (15) years with a Bachelor's degree. Thirteen (13) years with a Master's degree. Ten (10) years with a PhD. Better at Work. Better at Life. Join a highly collaborative culture that promotes growth, learning, and work-life balance, with benefits including generous paid time off, on-campus amenities, and a supportive community. Discover why employees rank us as a “Best Place to Work.” Benefits We offer high-quality benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, wellness programs, and more. Our benefits are designed to be competitive and affordable, with medical premiums covered for employees and low costs for dependents. Explore all our

benefits ! Have More in Memphis Enjoy Memphis’ vibrant culture, low cost of living, and no personal income tax, with a shorter commute than the national average. Learn how you can “ Have More in Memphis .” Compensation Estimated annual salary range: $138,320 - $262,080, based on experience and qualifications. Specific offers depend on individual factors. We value your skills and experience and offer competitive compensation. Explore our

benefits ! St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer No Search Firms We do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms. All submissions without a valid agreement will not be compensated.

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