Associate Director of Medicinal Chemistry

About Integrated Biosciences 

At Integrated, we are focused on advancing small molecule therapeutics for age-related diseases. We have built a first-of-its-kind discovery platform at the intersection of phenotypic models of aging, chemistry, and AI. Backed by top-tier VCs, and with recent publications in Cell (2025), Nature (2024), Nature Aging (2023), and Nature Protocols (2025), we’re rapidly expanding our senior scientific team to accelerate our growing pipeline. 

 

About the Role

We’re seeking a driven, experienced, and scientifically rigorous Associate Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join us at a pivotal moment. In this leadership role, you will lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecules across multiple therapeutic programs, lead projects from hit identification through to candidate nomination. You will serve as an in-house expert on SAR strategy, synthetic chemistry, and multiparameter optimization, and will be a key scientific partner across our multidisciplinary discovery team.

You’ll play a key role in shaping our scientific strategy and driving milestone achievements across our pipeline. If you’re someone who combines deep R&D rigor with a mindset that challenges convention, and you’re passionate about advancing breakthrough therapeutics, we want to hear from you.

 

You Will

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts on one or more drug discovery programs, developing and executing structure–activity relationship (SAR) strategies to optimize potency, selectivity, ADMET properties, and developability.
• Design, plan, and execute multi-step synthesis of novel compounds; oversee the work of junior chemists and/or contract research organizations (CROs).
• Integrate data from biology, DMPK, structural biology, and computational chemistry to guide compound design and prioritization decisions.
• Collaborate closely with biology, pharmacology and other cross-functional partners to advance programs toward IND-enabling studies.
• Drive candidate selection by evaluating compounds against target candidate profiles (TCPs) and articulating clear scientific rationale for advancement decisions.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy through identification and disclosure of novel inventions.
• Communicate research progress and strategy clearly to internal stakeholders through high-quality data packages, presentations, and written reports.
• Build and mentor a growing medicinal chemistry team; contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Contribute to IND filings, regulatory submissions, and due diligence activities as needed.

 

You’re a Good Fit If You Have (Required)

• PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, or a closely related field, with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Deep expertise in small molecule drug discovery, including broad proficiency with SAR-driven lead optimization across multiple chemical series.
• Strong command of synthetic organic chemistry and modern analytical methods, with the ability to design and execute complex multi-step routes.
• Thorough understanding of ADMET principles and experience integrating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data to guide compound optimization.
• Comfort operating at both strategic and bench levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and build effective scientific teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including ADME, physicochemical, biochemical, and pharmacological concepts as they apply to small molecule drug discovery; a demonstrated history of bringing creative, data-driven solutions to complex scientific problems.
• Hands-on synthetic chemistry expertise, with a track record of effectively directing both internal teams and external partners (CROs) to tackle difficult synthetic challenges and deliver high-quality compounds on program timelines.
• Extensive experience working in close partnership with cross-functional disciplines, including computational chemistry, structural biology, DMPK, in vivo pharmacology, CMC, and biology, to integrate diverse data streams into cohesive program decisions.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional project teams, whether as team lead or co-lead, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared scientific goals and drive programs forward.

 

Bonus Points For

• Experience in cardiometabolic disease and/or aging biology.
• Experience with driving programs from phenotypic screens.
• Experience managing CRO relationships and external collaborations.
• Comfort with computational chemistry tools, cutting-edge data analysis, large data sets, and pioneering AI approaches.
• Startup-ready mindset: agile, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

 

Location & Logistics

• Visa sponsorship available where applicable. We’ll work with you to make it happen.
• This role will be located at Redwood LIFE in Redwood City, CA, a modern and stunning life sciences complex in the Bay Area.
• Start date: immediate.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

 

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary, substantial equity, and comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental coverage, company-provided lunch, 401k match, and others.