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Arvinas is a biotechnology company pioneering targeted protein degradation therapies using its proprietary PROTAC Discovery Engine platform. The company recently achieved a major milestone with the first FDA approval of a PROTAC protein degrader therapy in May 2026, validating this novel treatment modality. Arvinas has a broad pipeline across oncology and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Medicinal Chemistry Project Leader will lead chemistry efforts as part of cross-functional project teams, driving preclinical pipeline programs to key decisions at all stages. This role has a particular emphasis on degrader-antibody conjugates and requires deep expertise in medicinal chemistry principles including potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic optimization.
Key responsibilities include:
- Driving milestone decision-making on assigned PROTAC projects from inception to clinical candidate nomination
- Molecular and synthetic design of PROTACs, degrader-antibody conjugates, and libraries using computational chemistry resources
- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of complex datasets to generate testable hypotheses
- Managing external CRO resources to meet synthetic and data needs on timeline
- Identifying and prioritizing issues through experimentation and data analysis to enable crisp decision-making
- Communicating and collaborating across drug discovery functions
- Providing scientific updates to management and executives; representing company at conferences
- Crafting data-based strategic recommendations to R&D leadership
The role reports to the Executive Director of Medicinal Chemistry and can be performed on-site at headquarters in New Haven, CT with hybrid arrangements available based on work requirements and project needs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry with 8+ years of pharma/biotech drug discovery experience
- Proven track record leading research projects through milestone decisions toward clinical candidate nomination
- Extensive experience in synthetic and medicinal chemistry of antibody-drug conjugates; specific experience with degrader-antibody conjugates preferred
- Extensive knowledge of structure-based design, SAR generation, and multi-parametric optimization
- Deep understanding of pharmacokinetic principles and in vivo pharmacology
- Proven ability to collaborate and communicate project needs and strategy to multidisciplinary teams and senior leaders
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US without employer sponsorship
- Must be able to lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work in controlled environments with biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; use PPE; use computers; engage in communications and problem-solving; maintain availability during standard business hours
