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Head of Peptide Design - Oral Cyclic Peptides

China, Asia Pacific Permanent View Job Description
This role leads the design, optimization and preclinical development of therapeutic peptides, PDCs and constrained macrocycles using structure-based and AI-driven drug design tools, while conducting SAR studies and cross-team collaboration to enhance candidate potency, druggability and binding performance.
  • Peptide design for advanced oral cyclic peptides targets
  • Leveraging in-house AI platform

About Our Client

Rapidly developing Chinese biotech with global footprint supported by recognised investor and Big Pharma partners, this company is renowned for its commitment to research and development of peptide therapeutics for Oncology and Metabolic disease.

Job Description

  • Oversee design and optimization of therapeutic peptides, PDCs and constrained macrocycles using structure-based and AI-driven approaches.
  • Optimize peptide sequences for better potency, selectivity, stability, solubility, permeability and oral bioavailability.
  • Conduct SAR analysis and work closely with chemistry and biology teams to iterate peptide candidates.
  • Deploy molecular modeling, docking and pharmacophore analysis to study peptide-target binding.
  • Support peptide synthesis and reaction optimization alongside synthetic chemists.
  • Drive peptide drug discovery projects from hit identification to preclinical development.
  • Share research results and strategic insights in cross-team meetings.
  • Integrate small molecule drug design experience to improve peptide therapeutics and cross-modality strategies.



The Successful Applicant

  • PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or relevant fields; strong background in small molecule/peptide synthesis and drug design.
  • 5-10 years drug discovery experience, proficient in structure-based drug design and ligand optimization.
  • Familiar with drug design software including MOE, PyMOL, Schrödinger, Discovery Studio.
  • Solid knowledge of peptide and protein-ligand interaction mechanisms.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and teamwork mindset for interdisciplinary collaboration.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive annual salary and equity compensation
  • Opportunity to work in science centric organisation within peptide therapeutics space
  • Collaborative and innovative working environment
  • Engagement in cutting-edge peptide design
  • Potential for professional growth and development in the life sciences field



If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, apply today to join a team dedicated to advancing scientific innovation.

Contact
Maria Karp
Quote job ref
JN-052026-7012810

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Subsector
Engineering & Manufacturing Subsector
Industry
Life Sciences
Location
China
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Maria Karp
Job reference
JN-052026-7012810
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Page Executive
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Maria has found success in Europe, Southeast Asia, as well as Mainland China, specifically within the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry.

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