Director / Senior Director, Peptide Chemistry (Durham, NC)

Position requires relocation to Durham, NC or San Diego, CA.

Z-Alpha Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of radiotherapeutics targeting key biological pathways for solid tumors. The company has a revolutionary technology platform in the next generation of alpha particle therapy with the potential to be a more targeted therapy, increasing efficacy and limiting toxicity compared to competitors in the radiotherapeutics space. The company has a world‑class team of scientists with decades of experience and foundational intellectual property that enables the potential to bring multiple drug candidates into the clinic.

Position Overview

The Senior / Executive Director will help define the strategic vision and direction for the radiochemistry and peptide research areas, aligning with the company's overall goals. The individual will direct and manage the Discovery and Translational Research programs, support and extend Z-Alpha’s intellectual property portfolio, and advance the development of the Company’s proprietary technology for generating and testing novel radiopharmaceutical agents. This role will be responsible for the development and execution of the R&D strategy to drive the value, impact, and opportunity of the Company’s science, pipeline assets, and platform technology.

The selected candidate will have a strong leadership and scientific foundation with a demonstrated track record of producing results in Oncology Drug Discovery and Development for targeted radiotherapies. The candidate will be expected to develop and execute strategic research initiatives, investigate and develop the science to support novel radio conjugate therapeutic approaches and their clinical advancement. The role will lead the development and implementation of strategies for peptide design and engineering to support biotherapeutics discovery. They will develop innovative molecular platforms and technologies, contribute to the design and synthesis of novel peptides, and collaborate with various departments to ensure successful development and delivery of radiotherapeutic, peptide‑based drugs to the market.

Key Responsibilities

Design and oversee the research and development of innovative radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, and other diagnostic and therapeutic radiotherapies.

Identify and implement cutting‑edge radiochemical strategies and technologies to enhance drug discovery and development processes.

Support peptide drug discovery and lead optimization activities; design, synthesize, and optimize radiolabeled peptides and other radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring high purity and activity.

Lead and continuously develop a multidisciplinary team of Ph.D. scientists and research associates.

Manage project leadership and technical coordination, ensuring that experiments are planned and executed, project deliverables are met on time, and stakeholder relationships are properly managed.

Partner cross‑functionally with CMC, Clinical, and Regulatory teams to drive IND‑enabling activities and preclinical translational data for early development programs.

Establish and manage collaborations with academic labs, CROs, and industry partners.

Collaborate with the IP team to devise IP strategies and manage filings related to assigned projects.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in synthetic organic, peptide, medicinal, or radiochemistry with 10+ years of experience, or M.S. with 15+ years in pharmaceutical / biotech R&D environments demonstrating leadership and successful accomplishments.

Demonstrated experience with evidence of advancing radiopharmaceutical drugs from discovery to clinical development for oncology indications, including IND filings.

Extensive experience in radiochemistry, peptide chemistry, and radiopharmaceutical development, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.

Strong knowledge of radiochemistry principles, analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, TLC), and GMP / quality control practices.

Proven leadership skills, including the ability to manage, mentor, and motivate a team of scientists.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and lead lab operations.

Deep knowledge of analytical methods (HPLC, TLC, GC, ICP‑MS, gamma spectrometry) to assess radiochemical purity, stability, and specific activity.

Demonstrated scientific excellence in peptide chemistry or related research, as evidenced by significant publications in the field.

Ability to effectively interact with multiple functions across the organization and communicate results and strategies to staff and company executives.

Strong attention to detail and excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Excellent problem‑solving and analytical thinking skills.

Join us at Z-Alpha Therapeutics and contribute to innovative solutions that redefine the landscape of cancer treatment!

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