Senior Vice President, Chemistry & CMC

The Opportunity
Rezo Therapeutics is advancing a new approach to small-molecule drug discovery focused on targeting disease-relevant protein complexes. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Vice President of Chemistry & CMC to lead medicinal chemistry and the transition of innovative programs from advanced lead optimization through development candidate nomination, IND-enabling development, and clinical readiness. This executive will combine scientific judgment with practical execution.

What You'll Do:

- Own chemistry strategy and execution across the small-molecule portfolio, with particular focus on late-stage lead optimization, candidate quality, developability, and clear nomination criteria

- Lead integrated compound optimization using structural and mechanistic insights, pharmacology, DMPK, safety, physicochemical properties, synthetic tractability, and translational objectives; anticipate and resolve program risks

- Drive rigorous development candidate selection, including definition of backup strategies and assessment of route scalability, formulation feasibility, and intellectual property

- Lead the CMC strategy for nominated candidates through IND-enabling studies and first-in-human readiness, spanning drug substance, drug product, analytical development, and phase-appropriate control strategies

- Provide accountable oversight of CROs and CDMOs: partner selection, scopes of work, technical decisions, budgets, quality, risk mitigation, technology transfer, and milestone delivery

- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing internal chemistry organization while leveraging external capabilities; establish a culture of scientific rigor, transparent decision-making, urgency, and accountability

- Collaborate closely with biology, structural biology, computational sciences, pharmacology, and leadership to integrate emerging data and make disciplined portfolio decisions

- Lead the expansion of our chemistry platform for the identification and optimization of protein complex modulators

- Lead intellectual property strategy with patent counsel; communicate program progress effectively to executive leadership, investors, and the Board

What You'll Bring:

- PhD in chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with approximately 15–20+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience and significant progressive leadership responsibility

- A compelling track record of late-stage small-molecule lead optimization and successful development candidate nomination for oncology indication, with direct accountability for advancing at least assets through IND-enabling studies

- Strong medicinal chemistry expertise, including optimizing oral exposure of beyond-Rule-of-5 molecules

- Substantive hands-on leadership of small-molecule CMC activities

- Clear, persuasive communication and the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a resource-conscious, fast-moving biotech environment

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate is a decisive, scientifically rigorous leader who enjoys both defining strategy and getting into the details that determine whether a promising molecule can become a medicine. They will be collaborative, pragmatic, comfortable challenging assumptions, and effective at developing a talented group of people.

Compensation at Rezo
The expected starting salary range for this position based in San Francisco, California for Senior Vice President level is $270,000-$370,000. Actual starting salary will be determined based on multiple job-related factors including candidate’s skills, education, and experience, the level at which they are hired, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Discretionary Bonus Plan (based on individual and company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies. This position is also eligible for the benefits detailed below.

Benefits at Rezo
Medical (HMO or PPO), dental, and vision insurance
Discretionary time off policy
Company holidays (including summer and winter shutdown)
401(k) retirement savings program
Commuter / Mass Transit Benefit Program
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Parental leave
Competitive compensation
Flexible work schedule
 
EEOC
At Rezo we value a diverse, equitable, inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  This statement covers all facets of employment and is especially important when it comes to growing our team.  
 
If you are wondering if you’ll belong at Rezo, or are worried that you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications for this role, take a chance on us and yourself — please apply!
 
SF Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Rezo considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.