Principal Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

Job Summary IDEAYA is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small‑molecule drug discovery, structural biology and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first‑in‑class, targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease. We have built a deep pipeline of product candidates focused on synthetic lethality and antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs) for molecularly defined solid tumor indications. Our mission is to bring forth the next wave of precision oncology therapies that are more selective, more effective, and deeply personalized with the goal of altering the course of disease and improving clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. When you’re at IDEAYA, you will be in the midst of brilliant minds working on precision medicine therapies to help cancer patients. We are passionate and committed about being on the forefront of oncology medicine, which means we all have a high internal drive that is at the very core of every person at IDEAYA. We are inquisitive, ask deep questions, and are data‑driven innovators who like to collaborate and use teamwork to move science forward. Location: South San Francisco, CA. Position Summary We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual with significant pharmaceutical industry experience to join our multidisciplinary team and help oversee all aspects of discovery analytical work. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with medicinal chemistry and related cross‑functional teams to successfully deliver drug discovery pipeline goals. This position is based in our South San Francisco headquarters and requires the employee to be onsite four days per week. Reporting to: Vice President, Medicinal Chemistry. What you’ll do Oversee small‑molecule analytical chemistry efforts across the IDEAYA discovery portfolio Manage and execute compound purifications (including chiral SFC separations), structural elucidations, biophysical property determinations (such as solubility, logD, and pKa determinations), and stability studies Manage junior analytical chemist(s) to achieve strong productivity with high quality and scientific rigor Ensure existing methods are technically sound, well developed and fit‑for‑purpose Troubleshoot methods and provide technical guidance across discovery programs Manage installation and maintenance of lab analytical equipment Perform vendor review and selection and provide oversight of all analytical work at external CROs Proactively communicate with and work closely with other functions to help align analytical strategy and achieve goals Help hire high‑caliber analytical chemists as needed to build and grow a world‑class analytical department Stay aware of newly emerging techniques and technologies and bring new capabilities online as necessary Professional Expectations All employees are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and IDEAYA policies, including IDEAYA’s Code of Conduct. Employees must demonstrate good judgement and ethical behavior in all business activities, maintain patient and product safety as a top priority, and report any suspected violations of law or company policy through appropriate channels. Vaccination Requirement This position requires that all employees working in the Company’s facilities be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 (except as required by applicable law). The Company considers an individual fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since they received either the second dose in a two‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine series or a single‑dose COVID‑19 vaccine. The vaccine must be FDA‑approved, have emergency use authorization from the FDA, or, for persons fully vaccinated outside the U.S., be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization. Requirements Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline with a minimum of five years of drug discovery experience and demonstrated ability operating successfully within cross‑functional groups Strong subject‑matter expertise in small‑molecule purification (both HPLC and SFC essential), physicochemical analysis, analytical method development/validation, and CRO management is essential Additional experience with small‑molecule structural elucidation techniques is preferred Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to quickly adapt and shift focus as needed Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within project teams Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced dynamic environment while demonstrating a calm and positive attitude and a superior work ethic Ability to supervise and mentor junior level associates and/or scientists, including direct reports or supporting team members Total Rewards IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects our pay‑for‑performance philosophy. Employees are eligible to be considered for merit‑based salary increases, company discretionary short‑term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval). The comprehensive benefits package includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents), a 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and wellness programs. The expected salary range for this role is $167,000 – $206,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors such as experience, location, and performance during the interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity IDEAYA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. 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