Head of Chemistry

The Company:

FL85 is a Flagship backed, privately held biotechnology company on a mission to transform the current approach to information molecule therapeutics to unlock their full therapeutic potential. In recent years, we have begun to experience the power of information molecules in treating historically undruggable diseases and in designing therapies with unprecedented turnaround times. FL85’s platform integrates nanoparticle development with world-class informatics technologies and a novel pipeline of experimentation and discovery to drive a new generation of highly effective, therapeutically relevant information molecule therapies. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

FL85 was founded by Flagship Pioneering. Flagship Pioneering conceives, creates, resources, and develops first-in-category life sciences companies to transform human health and sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, the firm has applied a unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in over $30 billion in aggregate value. The current Flagship ecosystem comprises 37 transformative companies, including: Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Indigo Agriculture, Sana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: SANA), Generate Biomedicines, and Tessera Tx. 

Position Summary:

As the Sr. Director, Head of Chemistry, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development of novel chemistries for our proprietary non-viral delivery platforms. This pivotal role will drive the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of innovative lipid-based chemical entities and conjugates, ensuring their successful integration into scalable production pipelines and final formulations for information molecule delivery.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Team Management

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Chemistry team, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of lipid chemists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Formulations, Informatics, Analytical Methods, In Vivo, Process Development, and RNA Synthesis, to drive the successful integration of novel lipid chemistries into the overall delivery vehicle construction and deployment pipeline.

Chemistry and Formulation Development

• Drive the development of novel chemical entities and associated chemistries based on therapeutically relevant properties for information molecule delivery.
• Oversee the portfolio development of novel lipid libraries for formulation of varied lipid nanoparticles.
• Lead the analysis and characterization of lipid chemistries, modifications, and chemical features in relation to overall lipid nanoparticle performance in vivo.
• Provide strategic guidance on lipid synthesis and scale-up to relevant levels for production across initial discovery, pre-clinical in vivo experimentation, and beyond.
• Establish and maintain external collaborations to enhance and accelerate lipid library construction, synthesis, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Drive the continual optimization of lipid synthesis processes to generate high-yield, scalable production methods.

Project Management and Collaboration

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and effective resource allocation.
• Represent the Lipid Chemistry team in cross-functional meetings and present data and updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Foster a collaborative environment and facilitate effective communication and knowledge-sharing across teams.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Medicinal or Organic Chemistry, with a strong background in chemical synthesis and formulation development.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of ionizable lipid or medchem experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a proven track record of leading successful chemistry and formulation development programs.
• Extensive knowledge of lipid synthesis, characterization techniques, and formulation development methodologies, including routine and advanced analytical methods (e.g., HPLC-CAD, LC/MS, NMR).
• Demonstrated expertise in developing medicinal chemistry approaches to generate novel lipid-based chemical entities and conjugates for lipid nanoparticle discovery.
• Deep understanding of traditional and state-of-the-art synthetic chemistry methodologies as applicable to lipid synthesis.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of scientists while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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Last updated on Jun 18, 2024