Description

Reporting to the SVP of Research, the Senior Scientist I, Medicinal Chemistry will bring deep expertise in medicinal chemistry and will play a key role in advancing a pipeline of novel therapeutics enabled by integrin biology and targeted delivery strategies. This role will lead the design and optimization of drug candidates that leverage integrin-mediated delivery to selectively target tissues and cell types.

Responsibilities

• Design and drive medicinal chemistry strategies for integrin-targeted therapeutics and delivery-enabled small molecules
• Utilize Structure-Activity Relationships to prioritize hypotheses, set design criteria, and guide external synthesis efforts
• Evaluate and interpret complex datasets and translate findings into clear, actionable design decisions
• Collaborate closely with biology, structural biology, DMPK, and translational teams to integrate insights into compound design and program strategy
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks to ensure timelines and deliverables are met
• Maintain high-quality documentation and data management practices
• Present data and strategy clearly to internal teams and senior leadership
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy and filings
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance research culture

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline
• 4+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, with demonstrated ability to guide compound design, interpret SAR, and apply physicochemical and structural insights leading to optimized drug candidates
• Proven ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced research environment
• Demonstrated track record of progressing compounds towards development
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), linker-payload systems, or other targeted delivery modalities
• Demonstrated ability to integrate biology-driven insights into chemistry strategy, including payload selection and receptor-mediated uptake strategies
• Track record of meaningful contributions to candidate selection

How you work

• Dare to Succeed: Brings intellectual curiosity and scientific courage to challenge conventional approaches and explore innovative chemistry and delivery strategies. Pursues bold yet data-driven solutions to advance integrin-enabled therapeutics.
• Make an Impact: Takes strong ownership of scientific outcomes, proactively driving decisions and progress with urgency and accountability. Translates complex data into clear actions that move programs efficiently toward development.
• One Pliant: Works collaboratively across disciplines, valuing diverse perspectives to strengthen scientific decisions. Aligns individual contributions with team and company goals to drive collective success.

The annual base salary for this role is $160,000 – $180,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

Description

Reporting to the SVP of Development Operations, this role will play a central role for the Portfolio and Program Management (PPM) function. In addition, this role will serve as the Program Manager of Pliant’s key program(s) including but not limited to PLN-101095 and will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the Global Program Team (GPT) and Clinical Core Team (CCT).

Responsibilities

• Functional Leadership Responsibilities:
  • Developing and implementing the standards, processes and tools leveraged by PPM.
  • Developing and maintaining all portfolio and program dashboards, reports and project management tools (e.g., decision calendar, program milestones and timelines, decisions & actions log, risk register, agendas, minutes).
  • Working with Research and Pre-Clinical teams to identify potential drug candidates and collaborating with Development functions in building a business case to bring them forward for IND or development activities.
  • Guiding and facilitating the cross-functional development of detailed budget forecasts for the development portfolio.
  • Serve as primary business partner to Corporate Finance to enable organizational processes such as long-range planning and budget cycles.
  • Leading a biweekly organizational leadership meeting (Executive Team and their direct reports) to inform on portfolio and departmental updates.
• Program Management Responsibilities:
  • Partnering with the GPTL in the development of the program strategy and defining the tactics required to deliver through the GPT ensuring integrated plans, timelines, risk assessments, and decision trees.
  • Partnering with the CCT Leader and members to drive the design and delivery of the clinical development plan in alignment with the program strategy.
  • Leading and coordinating the efforts of the GPT as they engage with the ELT and the Board of Directors (BOD) to seek endorsement of program strategy.
  • Responsible for maintaining and ensuring team execution of the development plan for Pliant’s lead program.
  • Partnering with functional leads and representatives (e.g. Clinical Operations, Regulatory and CMC) to achieve program objectives.
  • Operating independently within a matrix environment to guide team members and influence applicable stakeholders to enable the program strategy.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• BA/BS with 12+ years (or equivalent combination of education and experience) of biotech/pharmaceutical experience with deep expertise in program and portfolio management is required. Advanced degree preferred (Ph.D., M.S., Pharm.D., MBA).
• Proven track record in a program management/project management role as part of a research-driven biotech/pharmaceutical company.
• Experience across all stages of drug development is preferred.
• Experience in late-stage regulatory filings is preferred.
• Experience with drug development in oncology is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, driving tactical delivery of programs.
• Experience with negotiation and conflict resolution, including the ability to influence without reporting authority.
• Strong understanding of preclinical development, CMC, regulatory pathways, and clinical development fundamentals.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Experience with forecasting spend associated with a program’s development plan is preferred
• Ability to operate in alignment with Pliant’s values and culture.

How you work

• Dare to Succeed: Challenge assumptions and explore innovative strategies that strengthen scenario planning, risk mitigation, and strategic decision‑making across programs.
• Make an Impact: Take proactive ownership of program execution, driving timelines, governance, and milestone achievement with urgency to advance high‑value oncology assets for patients.
• One Pliant: Bring an inclusive, collaborative approach that enables the ability to align cross‑functional research, clinical, CMC, regulatory, and operational teams around integrated program plans and portfolio priorities.

The annual base salary for this role is $243,000 – $270,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

Description

Reporting to the SVP of Development Operations, this role will lead the Portfolio Management and Operations (PMO) function. In addition, this role will serve as the Program Manager of Pliant’s key program(s) including but not limited to PLN-101095 and will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the Global Program Team (GPT) and Clinical Core Team (CCT). For candidates who bring the appropriate blend of experience, strategic capability, and leadership qualities, there is potential to assume the role of Global Program Team Leader (GPTL) for one or more stage‑appropriate programs. In this capacity, this role will act as the primary driver and decision-marker for the program strategy.

Responsibilities

• Functional Leadership Responsibilities:
  • Leading the PMO function, which includes the scope of Portfolio Management, Program Management and Business Operations.
  • Developing and implementing the standards, processes and tools leveraged by PMO including the framework of engaging the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for endorsement of program decisions.
  • Developing and maintaining all portfolio and program dashboards, reports and project management tools (e.g., decision calendar, program milestones and timelines, decisions & actions log, risk register, agendas, minutes).
  • Leading the portfolio prioritization strategy taking into account the risk / benefit tradeoffs as well as Pliant’s strategic objectives.
  • Working with Research and Pre-Clinical teams to identify potential drug candidates and building a business case to bring them forward to request the initiation of IND or development activities.
  • Leading and facilitating the cross-functional development of detailed budget forecasts for the development portfolio.
  • Serve as primary business partner to Corporate Finance to enable organizational processes such as long-range planning and budget cycles.
  • Leading the vendor selection and negotiation activities as well as developing and implementing a fit-for-purpose governance framework with key vendors.
  • Leading a biweekly organizational leadership meeting (Executive Team and their direct reports) to inform on portfolio and departmental updates.
• Program Management Responsibilities:
  • Partnering with the GPTL in the development of the program strategy and defining the tactics required to deliver through the GPT.
  • Partnering with the CCT Leader and members to drive the design and delivery of the clinical development plan in alignment with the program strategy ensuring integrated plans, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and decision trees.
  • Playing a central role in seeking and obtaining endorsement of program strategy from the ELT and the Board of Directors (BOD).
  • Responsible for maintaining and ensuring team execution of the development plan for Pliant’s lead program.
  • Partnering with functional leads and representatives (e.g. Clinical Operations, Regulatory and CMC) to achieve program objectives.
  • Operating independently within a matrix environment to guide team members and influence applicable stakeholders to enable the program strategy.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• BA/BS with 15+ years (or equivalent combination of education and experience) of biotech/pharmaceutical experience with deep expertise in program and portfolio management is required. Advanced degree preferred (Ph.D., M.S., Pharm.D., MBA).
• Proven track record in a program management/project management role as part of a research-driven biotech/pharmaceutical company.
• Experience across all stages of drug development is preferred.
• Experience in late-stage regulatory filings is preferred.
• Experience with drug development in oncology is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, driving tactical delivery of programs.
• Experience with negotiation and conflict resolution, including the ability to influence without reporting authority.
• Strong understanding of preclinical development, CMC, regulatory pathways, and clinical development fundamentals.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Experience with forecasting spend associated with a program’s development plan is preferred
• Ability to operate in alignment with Pliant’s values and culture.

How you work

• Dare to Succeed: Challenge assumptions and explore innovative strategies that strengthen scenario planning, risk mitigation, and strategic decision‑making across programs.
• Make an Impact: Take proactive ownership of program execution, driving timelines, governance, and milestone achievement with urgency to advance high‑value oncology assets for patients.
• One Pliant: Bring an inclusive, collaborative approach that enables the ability to align cross‑functional research, clinical, CMC, regulatory, and operational teams around integrated program plans and portfolio priorities.

The annual base salary for this role is $270K – $300K. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

Description

The Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs will report to the Vice President, Regulatory & Compliance and is responsible for leading, developing and executing the global regulatory strategy for Pliant’s oncology programs. This involves oversight for regulatory activities across the product lifecycle, from development through post-approval, while overseeing department activities and representing Regulatory Affairs in cross-functional teams. This highly visible and hands-on role will provide both strategic and operational support to regulatory activities across multiple therapeutic areas. This person will also lead interactions with the FDA and other regulatory agencies.

The Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, must have strong strategic regulatory experience in oncology and be able to provide sound guidance, communicate clearly (in verbal and written form), and display exemplary organizational / leadership skills. In addition, the Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, will support an environment in which the team is highly motivated and engaged to work collaboratively within their team as well as cross functionally to deliver exceptional results and ensure long-term success.

(Remote* = Must be in our S.SF office 1X/mo.  However, during onboarding period, you will be required to be onsite 2X/mo.)

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of regulatory oncology strategies that result in successful registration and post-approval commercialization of products and product-candidates.
• Provide guidance to the cross functional teams based on technical and regulatory knowledge towards the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Proactively identify and assess regulatory risks associated with product development for Pliant’s oncology program.
• Serve as the regulatory agency contact (e.g. FDA and other agencies) and in this capacity, fosters strong agency relationships while acting as a credible, reputable, and effective advocate for the company.
• Effectively lead meetings with Health Authorities to ensure full resolution of issues and opportunities.
• Lead all interactions/submissions to global Health Authorities including initial IND/CTAs, NDA/MAAs, supplements and variations, and any other key areas of discussions.
• Ensure the regulatory strategy is aligned with global Health Authority requirements and review documents for submission readiness to ensure that all submissions conform to relevant guidelines.
• Ensure that content in regulatory applications is complete, well-written, and meets all relevant requirements for the program’s development phase.
• Support the product team in managing and directing regulatory inspections.
• Keep peers and superiors apprised of expected changes to the regulatory landscape affecting existing and future products and provide strategic and tactical direction to drive cross-discipline consistency in regulatory approach and planning.
• Facilitate the strategies for the approval of products in rest-of-world regions either by the company or by its partners/affiliates, and act as the regulatory contact for ongoing alliance management activities.
• Partner with and support clinical development, CMC, medical affairs, commercial and corporate activities, including the review and submission of clinical protocols and regulatory documents, publications, investor relations/legal public disclosures throughout the product life cycle.
• Support the Pharmacovigilance and Safety functions as an active member of the Safety Governance and Review team.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high performing team to support organizational growth as a late-stage clinical organization, including providing professional and personal growth opportunities, mentorship, and change management.
• Provide the business development team with guidance and critical evaluation of potential product opportunities, in support of strategic partnering and licensing activities.
• Support long and short-term departmental planning including structure, headcount, budgeting, training, and systems requirements.
• Help manage the external regulatory vendor and service team members and providers.
• Manage internal regulatory procedures to ensure compliance.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

• BA/BS Degree required in a health/life sciences or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years in Regulatory Affairs, of which at least 8 years have been in oncology and at least 6 years of leadership experience managing a team.
• Direct and successful experience in Regulatory activities including IND/CTA, NDA/BLA/MAA, lifecycle management, and developing and implementing complex regulatory strategies.
• Proven experience leading interactions and negotiations with Health Authorities (US and ex-US preferred).
• Strong understanding of relevant US FDA regulations as well as international regulatory agencies (e.g. EU/EMA).
• Experience in the ability to deliver high quality regulatory submission documents.
• Strong strategic skills including demonstrated ability to make complex decisions and willingness to defend difficult positions.
• Proven success in simultaneously handling strategic and transactional responsibilities, especially in a small-team environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in project management with a proven track record of effectively managing multiple projects / priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated excellence in project management with a proven track record of effectively managing multiple projects / priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to lead, interact with, focus, resolve conflict and drive consensus among individuals from a variety of cultures, and disciplines.
• Managerial and personal development experience required.

How you work

• Dare to Succeed: Approach regulatory strategy with courage and creativity, challenging convention when it advances patient outcomes. Take ownership of ambitious goals and navigate early‑development ambiguity with resilience and sound judgment.
• Make an Impact: Operate with urgency and focus, prioritizing high‑value actions that drive programs forward. Elevate regulatory quality and efficiency by anticipating obstacles and building scalable, best‑in‑class processes.
• One Pliant: Collaborate seamlessly across functions, building trust and alignment with internal and external partners.

The annual base salary for this role is $270K – $300K. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Pliant’s compensation package also includes benefits, equity, and annual target bonus for fulltime positions.

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