Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Research & Development

Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry

South San Francisco, CAHybridFull TimePrincipal$197,000–$220,000 /yrPosted 16 days agoVisa sponsorship available

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

peptide design
peptide synthesis
peptide engineering
protein-peptide interaction
protein-small molecule interaction
protein-protein interaction
SPR
BLI
FP
mass spec

Nice to have

protein expression
protein purification
LC-MS
AS-MS
high-profile publications
in silico design

Role summary

Calico is seeking a Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry to lead a team focused on peptide design, synthesis, and engineering for drug discovery projects. This role involves close collaboration with various scientific disciplines, including structural biology, computational modeling, medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and formulation. The scientist will investigate structure-activity relationships, drive compound optimization, and collaborate on in silico design. The ideal candidate is a recognized expert in peptide chemistry with experience in peptide drug candidates entering clinical development, and will mentor early career scientists. The position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field with 8+ years of biopharma/biotech experience and strong expertise in interaction characterization, assay development, protein engineering, and structure analysis.

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking a Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry to join our Drug Discovery organization and lead a team focused on peptide design, synthesis and engineering to support Calico’s research and drug development projects. This role will work closely with structural biologists, computational modeling scientists, medicinal chemists, DMPK and formulation scientists to investigate structure-activity relationships and drive compound optimization. Additionally, this position will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with our Computing Group on the in silico design and validation for protein binders.

The successful candidate must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, work autonomously with a variety of experimental techniques, be comfortable presenting results to cross-functional teams, and have experience mentoring early career scientists. The ideal candidate will be a recognized expert in peptide chemistry and have contributed to peptide drug candidates entering clinical development.

Position Requirements:

Ph.D. in organic, medicinal, peptide, or biochemistry, with 8+ years postdoctoral or equivalent experience working in biopharma/biotech sectors; track record of high-profile publications is desirable

Strong expertise in protein-peptide, protein-small molecule or protein-protein interaction characterization, including SPR, BLI, FP (fluorescence polarization), mass spec, DSF, ITC, etc.

Proficient in protein-based assay development including ELISA, enzymatic activity assay, AlphaLisa, etc.

Experience with protein engineering, including PEGylation

Experience with assay automation

Proficient in structure analysis with software including Chimera, Pymol, etc.

Experience with protein expression and purification is highly preferred

Experience with LC-MS and AS-MS is highly desired

Experience in CRO management

Experience with peptide synthesis and peptide modification chemistry

Knowledge of optimization of oral bioavailability of peptides

Accountable, meticulous with attention to detail, and able to multitask

Strong teamwork and proactive communication skills

Self-motivated and able to work independently in a cross-functional team environment

Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week

The estimated base salary range for this role is $197,000 - $220,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

Ready to apply?

You'll be redirected to Calico Life Sciences's application page.