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.