The Role
The role involves designing, executing, and interpreting experiments for small molecule drug discovery, collaborating with various scientific teams and managing CRO resources.
Summary Generated by Built In
Scientist/Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Discovery
Tenvie Therapeutics is developing precision‑engineered small molecule therapies to address core drivers of neurological and peripheral diseases: neuroinflammation and cellular dysfunction. Leveraging its proprietary product engine, Tenvie has the unique ability to advance both fully CNS‑penetrant and peripherally restricted products across a broad portfolio. Tenvie’s most advanced programs, TNV262 and TNV108, are in Phase 1 clinical development. TNV262 is a fully CNS-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor targeting cardiometabolic and neuroinflammatory indications, including obesity and cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis. TNV108 is a peripherally restricted SARM1 allosteric inhibitor targeting peripheral neuropathies. Tenvie’s clinical pipeline is complemented by discovery-stage programs across a range of related indications.
Tenvie Therapeutics is seeking a highly motived medicinal chemist to join the Small Molecule Discovery team and contribute to the discovery and advancement of innovative small molecule therapeutics. This role will play an important part in the design, execution, and interpretation of discovery-stage experiments, working closely with cross-functional colleagues in chemistry, pharmacology, biology, DMPK, and project teams. The ideal candidate is a rigorous scientist with strong molecular design & communication skills, sound scientific judgment, and a collaborative approach to advancing programs from early discovery through drug candidate nomination. This is an onsite role, reporting within the Small Molecule Discovery group.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, guide execution, and interpret experiments to support small molecule drug discovery programs including management of CRO teams & external resources
- Utilize structure- and ligand-based rational design, in combination with machine learning & AI tools, to optimize early chemical matter across multiple parameters and efficiently deliver clinical candidates
- Contribute to target validation, hit identification, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization activities
- Partner closely with pharmacology, protein sciences, biology and other functions to develop and implement biochemical, cellular, and/or mechanistic assays to evaluate compound activity, potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action
- Generate high-quality data, analyze results, and communicate findings clearly to project teams and across the organization
- Summarize data in presentations, technical reports, and team discussions to support decision-making
- Stay current with relevant scientific literature and apply emerging insights, technologies, and approaches to ongoing research
- Contribute to a strong team culture grounded in scientific excellence, urgency, accountability, and collaboration
QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in chemistry or a related scientific discipline, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience preferred
- Meaningful hands-on experience in drug discovery research in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting
- Strong experience designing to support small molecule discovery
- Deep understanding of molecular design, data interpretation, and experimental controls
- Experience working in cross-functional discovery teams with biology and pharmacology partners
- Familiarity with small molecule optimization principles, including potency, selectivity, and translational relevance
- Strong scientific communication skills, including the ability to present complex data in a clear and concise manner
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment
- High level of intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, flexibility, and attention to detail
- $120,000-160,000 annual base salary
Tenvie is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
Skills Required
- PhD in chemistry or a related scientific discipline
- 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience
- Hands-on experience in drug discovery research
- Experience designing to support small molecule discovery
- Understanding of molecular design and data interpretation
- Experience working in cross-functional discovery teams
- Familiarity with small molecule optimization principles
- Strong scientific communication skills
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
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The Company
What We Do
Tenvie is a biotechnology company committed to engineering small molecules that transform the treatment of neurological diseases. The company’s foundation is purpose-built with a diverse portfolio of small molecules and a proven team of CNS drug developers to rapidly deliver multiple clinical assets. Tenvie is advancing a pipeline of therapeutics focused on treating neurological, cardiometabolic, and ophthalmic diseases. Its portfolio of wholly owned, highly brain-penetrant, and precision-designed peripherally restricted small molecules address three key drivers of disease: resolving inflammation, rescuing metabolic dysfunction, and restoring lysosomal function.
