Peptide Chemist – Principal Scientist/Assoc Director – Personalized Cancer Vaccines
We are seeking an experienced Peptide Chemist with a strong background in GxP-compliant peptide synthesis to lead the development of neoantigen-based personalized cancer vaccines and to spearhead the establishment of a cutting-edge peptide synthesis lab from the ground up.
This position involves producing high-quality peptides that meet rigorous standards, supporting a team that combines bioinformatics and cancer care expertise to create individualized therapies aimed at targeting unique tumor-specific antigens.
This role supports the production of neoantigen vaccines, an innovative approach to personalized cancer treatment. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) is used to analyze the patient’s tumor DNA, and neoantigens are identified as targets for the immune system. These targets are further refined through Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching, enhancing compatibility with the patient’s immune profile and optimizing the vaccine’s effectiveness in targeting the tumor while sparing healthy tissues.
This is a unique opportunity to work closely with clinicians and researchers, making a direct impact on patient outcomes in a fast-paced, integrated clinical and therapeutic development environment.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead the selection and setup of equipment to establish a state-of-the-art, in-house peptide synthesis capability from the ground up.
· Collaborate with bioinformatics and immunology teams to translate neoantigen data from WES into high-quality peptide products for personalized cancer vaccines.
· Utilize advanced peptide chemistry techniques to develop, optimize, and validate methods for producing peptides specifically designed for personalized vaccine formulations.
· Enhance peptide synthesis and purification protocols to meet stringent standards of quality, yield, purity, and regulatory compliance.
· Incorporate HLA matching data into peptide synthesis workflows to improve immune compatibility and boost personalized vaccine effectiveness.
· Maintain documentation of procedures in alignment with GLP/GMP requirements.
· Oversee peptide synthesizers and other essential laboratory equipment, managing their setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure consistent and efficient production.
· Troubleshoot synthesis processes, handle technical issues in purification, and work with the Director of Quality to establish purity and characterization protocols for peptide products.
· Supervise lab personnel, contribute to hiring, and foster a collaborative environment in a bilingual (English-Spanish) team.
Qualifications:
· 5+ years in peptide synthesis within a GLP/GMP environment, ideally for clinical trials.
· Proficiency in Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) and troubleshooting synthesis processes. Expertise in HPLC and mass spectrometry, with strong analytical skills for characterization. Additional experience in Liquid Phase Peptide Synthesis is a plus.
· Familiarity with neoantigen vaccine development and HLA matching is a plus.
· Passionate about translational medicine and motivated to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
· Able to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic setting.
· Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with close clinician collaboration.
· Comfortable working with interdisciplinary teams focused on patient outcomes.
· Must currently reside in the US or MX
This role offers a unique chance to shape peptide manufacturing from the ground up in a setting that merges clinical application with therapeutic development. You’ll work directly with physicians, witness the impact of your work on patients, and contribute to therapies that reach the clinic faster. This is a challenging, rewarding opportunity for a biochemist eager to innovate, collaborate, and make a real difference.
Located just across the border from San Diego, this position offers the flexibility to live in the vibrant city of San Diego or immerse yourself in Tijuana’s dynamic community. With beautiful beaches, rich culture, and a unique blend of American and Mexican influences, this location provides a balanced lifestyle and a quick, dedicated commute for professionals.
Come join us in pioneering personalized cancer treatment, directly impacting patient care by bringing innovative therapies to them.
