Executive Director of Protein Engineering and Chemistry

What if cancer drugs could find the tumor – and go nowhere else? What if this meant you could get potent therapy directly to the tumor, sparing healthy cells? That’s the future we’re building at Shasqi, using Nobel Prize-winning science to unleash powerful therapies only where they’re needed. We’re a small, driven team encompassing broad backgrounds and experiences, united by a single mission: make cancer treatments more effective with minimal side effects. Our Operating Principles We move fast because speed matters to cancer patients. We aim to communicate openly and challenge ideas regardless of job title. We are bold, take risks, and push boundaries being led by science. We operate with humble confidence: meaning we can balance our sense of capability and conviction without ego, while being humble to seek advice and learn from our mistakes. If that fires you up, come build the future of cancer therapy with us! You’re the right fit for Shasqi if you.. Are mission driven and eager to do the best work of your career, developing novel therapies that will transform cancer treatment. Can balance scientific rigor with a fast-paced environment. Are comfortable with ambiguity and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. Operate with a strong sense of agency and invite feedback and advice. Can challenge convention and think of creative solutions that meet the needs of the company. Are a doer, hands-on, resourceful, and do not hesitate to step up. Willing to collaborate, debate, commit to decisions clearly, and revisit when evidence demands it. Position Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Director of Protein Engineering and Chemistry to build and lead our CAPAC (Click Activated Protodrugs Against Cancer) pre-targeting therapeutic engineering platform and team. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving molecular design, optimization, and biologic CMC of our pipeline from early discovery through IND-enabling studies and into the clinic. This position requires deep expertise in protein engineering, strong knowledge of chemistry and biologic CMC, and demonstrated success advancing therapeutics into clinical development. Required qualifications: Education and Experience Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related discipline. Minimum 12+ years of relevant industry experience working in therapeutic discovery and development of either: Biologics and small molecules, or Small molecule-biologic conjugates. Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience managing scientific teams. Demonstrated track record of advancing biologic-based therapies into clinical development. Direct experience supporting biologic CMC development, IND submissions, and clinical-stage programs is required. Technical Expertise Small format biologic discovery and protein engineering. Experience with chemical biology or medicinal chemistry. Targeted therapies. Structure-based design and protein optimization. Biophysical and biochemical characterization methods. Developability assessment and manufacturability considerations. Protein chemistry, conjugation, and modification strategies. Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Bioorthogonal click chemistry. Protein conjugation and linker chemistry. Leadership and Professional Skills Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with a highly collaborative organization. Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities including but not limited to the following: Scientific Leadership and Hands-On Contribution Lead the protein engineering and chemistry teams toward design, discovery, engineering, and optimization of therapeutic candidates, including biologic binders, chemical payloads, and technologies to enable pre-targeting with click chemistry. Personally contribute to molecular design strategy, candidate selection, and developability assessment for both biologic binders and chemical payloads. Guide strategy for protein characterization, including biophysical, biochemical, and functional evaluation. Establish and implement strategies for lead optimization, focusing on affinity, specificity, stability, manufacturability, and developability. CMC Strategy and Development Integration Ensure candidates are designed with manufacturability, scalability, and regulatory requirements in mind. Lead internal team working with CDMOs and CROs to advance: Cell line development Process development Analytical development GMP Manufacturing Regulatory requirements Contribute to IND-enabling activities and regulatory documentation. Strategic and Organizational Leadership Build, lead, manage, and mentor a high-performing protein engineering and chemistry team. Lead team toward defining departmental goals and strategy aligned with research and company goals. Lead team to manage internal and external collaborations, including CROs and academic partners. Serve as a scientific leader and key contributor to portfolio strategy and candidate selection decisions. Innovation and External Engagement Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in protein engineering, novel payloads, and pre-targeting. Identify and implement new tools and platforms to enhance engineering capabilities. Represent the company at scientific conferences and external meetings as appropriate. How We Work: We are a remote-first company, with occasional travel for in-person team meetings or scientific conference attendance. Core collaboration window: 9:00am–3:00pm Pacific Time. You are expected to be available during this time for meetings and real-time collaboration. Async + sync balance: Outside of core hours, we work asynchronously, but timely communication and follow-through are expected. Meetings: You should be comfortable joining video calls, sharing availability on calendar and actively participating during core hours. You should be comfortable working across common tools including Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and similar platforms. Benefits & Eligibility Compensation at Shasqi Competitive base salary as part of a broader total rewards package. Equity: Included as port of total compensations. Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, short- and long-term disability. Flexible PTO and a WFH stipend to support remote work. Ongoing growth opportunities, professional development, and mentorship. Salary Range The anticipated base salary range for this role is $250-$300K USD. Final compensation will depend on location, experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Our ranges are intentionally broad to reflect market conditions and the specialized nature of our work. Eligibility U.S.-based employees only. Must be authorized to work in the United States. We are not currently sponsoring visas. About Shasqi Shasqi is a biotech company advancing a new class of targeted cancer therapies, built on Nobel prize-winning technology called click chemistry. Backed by leading biotech investors, we are building a pipeline of first-in-class therapies that are designed to overcome the limitations of ADCs increasing efficacy and limiting toxicities. Our lead asset will be entering the clinic in early 2027. You can learn more about our company at www.shasqi.com Please Note: At this time, Shasqi is not partnering with external recruiting agencies. We kindly ask that agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this role. Shasqi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable law.