Associate Director, Biology Hit & Lead Discovery
South San Francisco, CA
Biology /
Full-time /
On-site
Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company advancing the discovery and development of cell-permeable oral macrocycles. Our platform combines structure-based drug design and advanced synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for severe unmet clinical needs. We are focusing our development efforts on cyclins, which are master regulators of the machinery that controls progression of cells through the cell cycle and are key drivers in many cancers.
We seek passionate individuals poised to drive our growth and make a difference. Learn more about Circle Pharma at
We seek an Associate Director, Biology Hit and Lead Discovery for our discovery team, with a proven track record in drug discovery programs, including planning and execution of projects from the early stages of target validation to delivery of development candidates. Reporting to our VP of Biology Research, our ideal candidate will have first-hand experience in all aspects of biochemistry, biophysics, compound screening and screening of DNA-encoded libraries. This person will manage and develop both internal capabilities as well as develop effective and productive interactions with CROs. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in drug discovery efforts and mentor laboratory personnel, at a company with world-class scientific advisors and robust financial backing from top-tier investors.
Please note that this role requires a consistent onsite presence at Circle’s South San Francisco, CA facility.
What You'll Do:
- Employ hands-on and deep scientific knowledge on biochemistry, biophysics, crystallography, and screening technologies to apply to designing and executing testing funnels that serve several simultaneous drug discovery projects.
- Employ learnings from these early activities to work in to develop cellular target engagements assays that measure critical activities of the proposed drug mechanism of action.
- Identify and engage external resources to complement internal expertise and capabilities.
- Manage activities of related new and existing CROs.
- Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot screening assays, as well as develop procedures to ensure the quality of data.
- Responsible for data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to cross functional teams.
- Represent role activities to project teams, provide constructive input, and work effectively across multiple functional teams, including but not limited to medicinal and computational chemistry.
- Manage, mentor and train scientists and laboratory personnel; guide and maintain specific development plans for all group associates.
About You:
- PhD in biochemistry, cell biology or related discipline with at least 2 years of post-doctoral training and a minimum of 6 years of industry experience in related area.
- 3+ years of management experience, demonstrating effective leadership and the ability to mentor and grow team members.
- Extensive experience in identifying and managing CROs, including associate budgets.
- Extensive experience in developing and/or performing in-cell FRET, NanoBRET, etc. proximity assays for quantitative measurements of protein-protein interactions.
- Knowledge of technologies associated with DNA-encoded libraries screen and result deconvolution a plus.
- Knowledge on automated screening systems a plus.
- Accomplished in moving projects from biochemistry into identifying cell active hits suitable for Hit-to-lead and beyond campaigns.
- Experience in developing systems and tools, in collaboration with computational chemists and bioinformaticians, to process and display data in a manner that is helpful to synthetic chemists and biologists.
- Experience working in cross functional teams to identify targets to start new projects aligned with the company development strategy to enrich our pipeline.
- Demonstrated success working in a cross-functional, matrixed organization, with a track record of effective collaboration and partnership across disciplines and functions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including external parties.
- Active listener who enjoys operating in an exceptionally dynamic, high-achieving, and cooperative environment where every voice matters.
- Demonstrated willingness to lead, champion, and operate with Circle’s Core Values.
$166,000 - $195,000 a year
This position is an in-person role based at our facility in South San Francisco. The anticipated salary range is $166,000 to $195,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience within the industry, education, Circle’s internal equity, etc.
Circle Pharma recognizes that the success of our endeavors depends on the success of every team member. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, and vision care. We also provide a 401(k) plan with a generous company contribution, and all of our offers contain a stock option component. We provide company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Additionally, we provide many company-paid holidays, including a winter break at the close of the calendar year.
Circle Pharma is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.
