Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry
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Before you apply
Salary$197k – $220k
LocationSouth San Francisco, CA, South San Francisco, CA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience8+ yrs
DepartmentDRUG DISCOVERY
Company size501–1,000 people
PostedOct 22, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live18h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Ph.D. in organic, medicinal, peptide, or biochemistry
8+ years postdoctoral or equivalent experience working in biopharma/biotech sectors
Strong expertise in protein-peptide, protein-small molecule or protein-protein interaction characterization, including SPR, BLI, FP, mass spec, DSF, ITC
Proficient in protein-based assay development including ELISA, enzymatic activity assay, AlphaLisa
Experience with protein engineering, including PEGylation
Experience with assay automation
Proficient in structure analysis with software including Chimera, Pymol
Experience in CRO management
Experience with peptide synthesis and peptide modification chemistry
Knowledge of optimization of oral bioavailability of peptides
Accountable, meticulous with attention to detail, and able to multitask
Strong teamwork and proactive communication skills
Self-motivated and able to work independently in a cross-functional team environment
Track record of high-profile publications is desirable
Experience with protein expression and purification is highly preferred
Experience with LC-MS and AS-MS is highly desired
Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week
Skills
SPR
BLI
FP
mass spec
DSF
ITC
ELISA
AlphaLisa
Chimera
Pymol
LC-MS
AS-MS
PEGylation
Benefits
Bonus
Who We Are:
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description:
Calico is seeking a Principal Scientist, Peptide Chemistry to join our Drug Discovery organization and lead a team focused on peptide design, synthesis and engineering to support Calico’s research and drug development projects. This role will work closely with structural biologists, computational modeling scientists, medicinal chemists, DMPK and formulation scientists to investigate structure-activity relationships and drive compound optimization. Additionally, this position will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with our Computing Group on the in silico design and validation for protein binders.
The successful candidate must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, work autonomously with a variety of experimental techniques, be comfortable presenting results to cross-functional teams, and have experience mentoring early career scientists. The ideal candidate will be a recognized expert in peptide chemistry and have contributed to peptide drug candidates entering clinical development.
Position Requirements:
•
Ph.D. in organic, medicinal, peptide, or biochemistry, with 8+ years postdoctoral or equivalent experience working in biopharma/biotech sectors; track record of high-profile publications is desirable
•
Strong expertise in protein-peptide, protein-small molecule or protein-protein interaction characterization, including SPR, BLI, FP (fluorescence polarization), mass spec, DSF, ITC, etc.
•
Proficient in protein-based assay development including ELISA, enzymatic activity assay, AlphaLisa, etc.
•
Experience with protein engineering, including PEGylation
•
Experience with assay automation
•
Proficient in structure analysis with software including Chimera, Pymol, etc.
•
Experience with protein expression and purification is highly preferred
•
Experience with LC-MS and AS-MS is highly desired
•
Experience in CRO management
•
Experience with peptide synthesis and peptide modification chemistry
•
Knowledge of optimization of oral bioavailability of peptides
•
Accountable, meticulous with attention to detail, and able to multitask
•
Strong teamwork and proactive communication skills
•
Self-motivated and able to work independently in a cross-functional team environment
•
Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week
Benefits
The estimated base salary range for this role is $197,000 - $220,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.