Computational Chemistry, Scientist II- Senior Scientist I

Come join a creative and collaborative team of scientists at Alltrna dedicated to leveraging emerging insights in RNA biology to develop a novel class of human therapeutics. In this role you will influence chemistry design by applying state-of-the-art computational chemistry approaches to ultimately find treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. You will also help to build an integrated data science platform that embraces FAIR data principles.

What is in this for you?

If you like a science-driven, fast-paced research environment discovering how a new therapeutic modality can be shaped to meet the needs of patients suffering from serious underserved diseases- this is the role for you. You get to be part of the oligonucleotide design team that writes the playbook for developing models and defining the interactions between the tRNA molecules and their protein partners. As a key member of the dedicated drug hunter team, you will apply your experience in computer aided drug design to a wide range of molecular modeling techniques for the purpose of advancing drug discovery projects at various stages. We operate in an open and inclusive learning environment and need nimble thinkers who can chart courses and plan experiments based upon the data that we generate together.

Primary Responsibilities:

Conceive and execute computational chemistry strategy in collaboration with Alltrna leadership team

Work collaboratively with a cross-functional biology, technology, and medicinal chemistry team to extend and automate the computational chemistry platform for rapid drug discovery

Design and implement computational strategies, predictive models, and protocols, to guide the medicinal chemistry team's efforts to optimize potency, selectivity, and DMPK properties for discovery of novel tRNA molecules. Develop tools that support medicinal scientists in the representation and design of tRNA drug molecules

Create molecular models of RNA and RNA/protein complexes and use these to enable insights into structural and biological properties and develop compelling data visualizations

Develop, build, populate, and maintain platform-related databases and tools to query the information

Basic Qualifications:

Degree in Computational Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or related field (PhD with 2+ yrs. of industry experience; MS with 8+ yrs. of industry experience

Expert knowledge of computational chemistry, chemical reactivity, intermolecular interactions, and cheminformatics methods and software (e.g., Gaussian/QChem, AutoDock, BiosolveIT, Gromacs/Amber etc.)

Programming proficiency using Python and Shell is required.

Track record of computational contributions in Hit ID, Hit to Lead, and Lead Optimization

Independent scientist with experience working as part of a cross-collaborative team with strong organizational and time-management skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills including preparation of reference documentation describing computational experiments, outcomes, and key conclusions