Key Skills

Job Description

BIMINI Biotech is an innovative drug development startup based in Leiden that develops first-in-class cancer therapeutics targeting the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASp) pathway. WASp plays a key role in cytoskeletal regulation and immune cell signaling and has recently emerged as a promising target in several diseases. BIMINI has developed a proprietary portfolio of small-molecule WASp modulators with promising activity across preclinical models of leukemia, lymphoma and autoimmune disease. As we advance our programs through lead optimization and towards candidate selection, we are looking for a (medicinal) chemist with strong hands-on synthetic chemistry experience to help design, synthesize and optimize our next generation of drug candidates. As (medicinal) chemist, you will play a central role in advancing BIMINI’s preclinical pipeline. You will combine medicinal chemistry, compound design and organic synthesis with biological and DMPK data to drive structure–activity relationships (SAR) and optimize compounds towards development candidates. Your role: · Design and synthesize novel analogues to advance existing lead series towards development candidates. · Drive medicinal chemistry and lead optimization for one of BIMINI’s programs, integrating potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, ADME/PK and developability. · Use established SAR and biological and DMPK data to guide compound design and prioritization. · Develop and optimize synthetic routes and solve challenging synthetic chemistry. · Perform biochemical assays relevant to lead optimization and analogue synthesis towards a clinical lead. · Drive progression towards candidate selection, including defining and evaluating compounds against the target candidate profile · Lead the current R&D collaborations as part of an international consortium; · Translate goals into action and accomplish key drug development milestones within established timelines; · Lead independent experiment design and overcome potential scientific challenges; · Support preparation of new non-dilutive funding applications · Act in a cross functional team setting; · Independently provide scientific interpretation of the experimental results; · To achieve your project goal you pro-actively initiate new experimental approaches to overcome scientific challenges. Your profile: · You have a PhD degree in (medicinal) chemistry or a related field; · You have a strong affinity with preclinical drug development; · You have knowledge in the field of oncology and immunology; · Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; · Entrepreneurial spirit, a problem solver and creative thinker; · Able to work in a team as well as independently; · Open to learn new techniques and travel to collaborators in the EU. What we offer? You will become part of the BIMINI Biotech team, where you will work closely together with the management team, our academic partner in Leiden and network partners. You will work in a dynamic environment where you will experience all aspects of drug development and you can make a real impact. At BIMINI Biotech we offer: · A 1.0 FTE position; · A position for at least 2 years, with the possibility for extension; · A gross salary ranging from €4.000-5.000 depending on relevant experience, expertise and responsibilities; · 8% holiday allowance; · 25 holiday days per year, based on a 40-hour work week; · Potential to directly benefit from the company’s success; · Flexible working hours; · Many opportunities to grow together with the company; · Potential to travel to conferences and events in the Netherlands and abroad.

Core Responsibilities

The chemist will design and synthesize novel small-molecule drug candidates to advance the company's preclinical pipeline. They will drive lead optimization by integrating biological and DMPK data to define and evaluate compounds against target profiles.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry or a related field with strong hands-on synthetic chemistry experience. Proficiency in oncology and immunology, along with the ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams, is required.

Benefits

• 8% Holiday allowance
• 25 Holiday days per year
• Flexible working hours
• Potential to benefit from company success
• Travel opportunities