Job Description

PURPOSE OF JOB: 

This position would work closely with RAPT Discovery teams to develop computational models and data analysis workflows that will speed the design and discovery of new molecules having properties that will enable teams to achieve project goals. Working closely with medicinal chemistry project leaders, this position is charged with identifying the most efficient way to use RAPT’s Computational Chemistry resources to design the new molecules.

• Will report to the Chief Preclinical Development Officer who will provide general direction and assign relative proportion of effort to various programs
• For existing programs, this position will obtain guidance on project priorities, medicinal chemistry characteristics of existing compounds and desired property improvements from the Discovery Project Leaders.
• The scientist will then devise a strategy to utilize available computational chemistry tools to implement a modeling program and data management tools that will enable the design and computational evaluation of new molecules that can meet project goals.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply modern computer modeling techniques to design leads for protein targets and develop methods to resolve problems, ranging from lead identification to optimization of compounds
• Understand the properties of the current chemical matter of the existing projects
• With project leaders, determine areas of needed optimization and identify modeling and other computational strategies to facilitate improvements
• Oversee computer tools that track and analyze compound data to identify emerging trends
• Uses structure-based, computer assisted drug design, and small molecule analysis to optimize binding properties of leads to targets
• Responsible for the development of computational methodologies and strategies in the analysis of structure activity relationships
• Conduct virtual screening campaigns as needed
• Become aware of and integrate AI workstreams into project as appropriate
• Use scientific concepts and company's policies and procedures to solve a range of difficult technical problems in imaginative and practical ways
• Provide moderate scientific/technical advice on computational chemistry matters for individuals project team to facilitate their modeling of new ideas
• Develop strong working relationships with project team medicinal chemists so that working together they can design synthesizable molecules that can rapidly move the project forward
• Will interface with other scientific leaders at RAPT to represent the Computational Chemistry function

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• PhD in Computational Chemistry or related field

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 

• 1-4 Years of experience (inclusive relevant post-doctoral experience) is preferred

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Experience with computational chemistry and molecular modeling techniques that help drive compound optimization
• Some experience and/or interest in learning about compound database architecture and management
• Experience with virtual screening is a plus
• Experience with Schrodinger Software
• Willingness to work with and learn from other drug discovery scientists

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS, VISUAL ACUITY, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position will be on-site with a hybrid schedule of at least 3 days a week in the office.

California law requires pay information in job postings. The specific rate will depend on the successful
candidate’s qualifications, prior experience, and other relevant factors. The estimated annual pay range
for this position is $121,500 (entry-level qualifications) to $158,560 (highly experienced).