Principal, MSK Tx BridgeLabs Small Molecules, Drug Development

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe. 

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Principal, MSK Tx BridgeLabs Small Molecules, Drug Development 

We are seeking a Principal, MSK Tx BridgeLabs Small Molecules, Drug Development, to lead all small molecule drug discovery and development activities within MSK therapeutics bridge labs. 

This role provides scientific and operational leadership across small molecule projects, overseeing candidate generation, screening, and refinement. The Principal will ensure alignment with MSK’s broader drug development goals. 

Role Overview 

• Provide scientific expertise and leadership on small molecule drug discovery projects.
• Lead selection, optimization, and screening of new small molecule drug candidates.
• Oversee development and application of new assays and refinement of hits and leads.
• Ensure timely completion of MSK therapeutics bridge labs small molecule projects.
• Generate robust data packages with the OEC Product Development Team to support commercial partnering, including efficacy, PK/PD, toxicology, synthesis, formulation, stability, and scalability.
• Coordinate internal resources and external CROs to ensure project success.
• Communicate progress with licensing managers, project managers, and OEC stakeholders.
• Represent the small molecule section of MSK therapeutics bridge labs in committee meetings and reviews.
• Participate in OEC initiatives, including the Entrepreneurship Initiative.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing coaching, training, and career development.
• Maintain scientific rigor and  up-to-date knowledge in small molecule drug discovery and communicate advances to stakeholders.
• Monitor scientific literature and attend meetings to assess impact on MSK’s drug development portfolio. 

Key Qualifications:  

• Doctorate's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, or equivalent (10 years)
• Extensive experience in small molecule drug discovery and development, with a proven track record in interdisciplinary research across chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science, and success with challenging drug targets.

Core Skills 

• Medicinal and computational chemistry expertise:  Identification of lead development candidates and required backups aligned with target candidate profiles
• Process chemistry expertise: Identification of synthetic route for and delivery of API.  Brings synthetic route considerations into early project strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects autonomously and deliver results.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills in addition to rigorous scientific thinking
• Highly organized and able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

Additional Information:  

Pay Range: $165,500 - $272,900 

Schedule: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM EST, Monday – Friday with flexibility as needed  

Location: Hybrid; 3x a week minimum in NYC 

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MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

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