Principal Scientist

Connecticut Innovations is seeking a Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry for Halda Therapeutics in New Haven, CT. The role involves leading drug discovery projects, collaborating with biology teams, analyzing data, and providing scientific direction. Candidates should have expertise in medicinal chemistry and a passion for developing precision oncology medicines. Halda focuses on innovative cancer treatments and is backed by significant venture funding.
Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come join Taking Hold. Conquering Cancer. - Halda TherapeuticsHalda Therapeutics as Associate Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist!

Halda Therapeutics

Halda Therapeutics is a New Haven CT based, venture-backed biotechnology company focused on the development of a proprietary RIPTAC™ (Regulated Induced Proximity TArgeting Chimeras) therapeutic that works by a novel “hold and kill” mechanism for the precision treatment of cancer. The mechanism of action of RIPTAC therapeutics is uniquely designed to address cancer’s ability to evolve bypass mechanisms of resistance, a common limitation of today’s precision oncology medicines.

Our lead RIPTAC programs are in development for major solid tumor types, prostate cancer and breast cancer, with additional RIPTAC therapeutic programs in our pipeline to treat unmet medical needs in cancer. The company will initiate its Phase 1 trial in metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in 2025. Halda was founded by Yale Professor Craig Crews and is led by a team with deep expertise in bifunctional drug discovery, platform innovation, and company building and is located in New Haven, CT. The company has raised $202M in funding from top tier investors, and closed on $126M in the summer of 2024 to bring its first two programs into the clinic.

At Halda, our team is a collective force for drug innovation to conquer cancer. Halda is a place where you can embrace your purpose and be your true self. Learn more about us at www.haldatx.com.

Principal Scientist Medicinal Chemistry | Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated medicinal chemist to work with colleagues towards creating precision medicines for oncology. As a key member of the team, she/he will help lead Halda’s exploratory efforts, working in close concert with chemistry and biology team members in the design and discovery of RIPTACs aimed at new targets for patients with unmet medical need.
• As a dynamic project leader, drive and direct medicinal chemistry functions for one or more exploratory drug discovery projects, working in with partners in molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, computational chemistry, structural biology, and other key functions
• Analyze screening data, perform literature reviews, design, propose, and execute medicinal chemistry plans, coordinate chemistry and biology data to support compound progression and patent strategies
• Provide scientific direction and leadership for synthetic and medicinal chemistry activities of external CRO FTEs
• Participate in portfolio and project reviews, lead the preparation and presentation of dossiers for nomination and compound portfolio advancement
• Participate in shaping and implementing strategies that support medicinal chemistry growth objectives
• Serve as a scientific expert in medicinal chemistry with both internal and external partners and provide recommendations regarding new targets and emerging external opportunities
• Ensure optimal interaction/communication and provide updates on project status to leadership

Qualifications
• Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry, with 5-7 years industry experience. Or M.Sc. in organic or medicinal chemistry with >20 years industry experience
• Must have a strong knowledge of organic and medicinal chemistry
• The candidate must be able to work in a hybrid format, with the expectation to be on site at least 3 days a week
• Expertise in data analysis/interpretation and data management are essential
• Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques and solve complex problems
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including visualization of data and drafting presentations
• Demonstrated experience in preparation of patent documents and driving intellectual property strategy
• Excellent written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills
• Individual must be self-motivated, well-organized, reliable and able to prioritize workload
• Driven to thrive in multifunctional role at a nimble, fast-paced biotech company

Benefits

Halda offers a competitive benefit package, including subsidized medical, dental, vision, ST/LT disability, a 401k Plan with generous company contribution and free parking at our New Haven headquarters. We also offer tuition reimbursement and paid parental leave.

This role is located in New Haven, CT and relocation is not available for this role. Halda is an Equal Opportunity Employer.